Prednisone?

happenstance82
happenstance82 Posts: 240
edited September 19 in Health and Weight Loss
Has anyone been on Prednisone before? On Tuesday I had some kind of allergic reaction to something and my doctor put me on a Prednisone "burst". So I will be taking 40mg/day 'til Sunday. I've heard that it can cause weight gain, but is that only because it may cause an increase in appetite? I'm just wondering if it's something I will be able to avoid or if I should skip my weigh-in this week. Um...help?

Replies

  • happenstance82
    happenstance82 Posts: 240
    Has anyone been on Prednisone before? On Tuesday I had some kind of allergic reaction to something and my doctor put me on a Prednisone "burst". So I will be taking 40mg/day 'til Sunday. I've heard that it can cause weight gain, but is that only because it may cause an increase in appetite? I'm just wondering if it's something I will be able to avoid or if I should skip my weigh-in this week. Um...help?
  • JamieArmbruster
    JamieArmbruster Posts: 48 Member
    Typically people who are on prednisone long term will see weight gain. But one of the side effects is that it increases hunger, hence the weight gain in people taking it long term. You may be able to avoid the weight gain since you are only taking it for the short term due to allergic reaction, I would still weigh in and if you see a gain, just make a note that you were taking prednisone. Hope that helps!
  • dhkeel
    dhkeel Posts: 1
    I have been on Prednisone many times unfortunately. It does cause an increase in hunger, but it also makes you have more energy so maybe you could use it to burn off some of the extra calories you eat.:smile:

    It also causes you to retain water and appear swollen a little bit. You are not on a high dose so you may not have this "moon face" affect. If you do, at least that weight will be gone when you get off Prednisone.
  • Phoenix_Rising
    Phoenix_Rising Posts: 11,417 Member
    Just finished a short term course last week.

    Made me STARVING. I ate like a pig. Luckily, I only gained 3 lbs and have lost those 3 lbs over the past couple days when off the meds.

    Be glad it's a short course you are on and don't stress it. Weight fluctuation happens, especially when the medication pamphlet clearly lists the side effect of WEIGHT GAIN (and in all capital letters too, lol).
  • PeggyLesson
    PeggyLesson Posts: 2
    I agree with bluecrewgirl. I was on prednisone for a period of time and didn't gain much weight. People who have to take high doses usually have a weight gain because of retention of fluids some getting a moon face. I don't think you have to worry about that. Hope that eases your mind.
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