Help! My allergy steroids say a side effect is persistant weight gain. What do I do?

Question

I haven't taken the pills yet- I am starting them tomorrow. I freaked when I saw that a side effect was weight gain! I am trying to loose weight. If I don't eat ANYTHING, I can't gain weight, right? The medicine says to take with food, but if I fast while I'm on it will my body still gain weight?

Don't tell me this is stupid- just tell me if I won't gain if I don't eat, or else I'm throwing out the medication.

thanks.

Answer 1

Are these steroids you're taking daily for like ever... or are these steroids they gave you to take for a week after an ER allergic reaction episode?

If these are ones you're supposed to take after having a severe allergic reaction... Bite the bullet and take them. Its much better than being dead (there is a huge risk of backlash from severe allergic reactions which is why they give you the steriods). Also you won't gain that much weight.. if any.. max 1-2 lbs which you can lose by going to the gym every day after your steroids are over. I wouldn't recommend going to the gym though until the week of steroids is over, as severe allergic reactions can do a number on the body and with the extra steroids.. well I wouldn't want you to give yourself a heart attack.

I don't advise you to take steroids and eat nothing. You won't make it. The steroids will win, and you'll end up so starving that you drive to Dairy Queen and order a full meal, and two banana splits.

So plan on eating, just plan on eating healthy.

If these are daily pills you're supposed to take to control your allergic reactions, you may want to weight the pros and cons. Constant steroid use can cause you a lot of problems, so I'd definitely be seeking a second opinion and some alternate solution.

Good Luck.. and Be well. :)

Answer 2

I believe the way steroids work is that it increases your appetitie so if you don't notice and increase, don't worry.

I think the steroid amount is probably pretty low and may not give you that side effect. It's on there as a CYA (cover your ****). I have seen people at 80mg gain over 100lbs. Your's is probably pretty low. My nasal steroid says the same thing but it's like 125mcg and I have not gained an ounce. It's mostly dosage related.

If you find yourself eating more and start to gain, go back to the doctor and see if there is another option.

Answer 3

I want to add just one thing to what V said. They say to take with food because they are hard on your stomach. Long term users are in danger of ulcers. If you try to fast while taking them, your stomach will hurt, and eventually you will have to eat to make the pain go away.

I had to go on a course of steroids the last time my asthma acted up. It wasn't pleasant (i had to deal with increased anxiety), but it is better than not breathing.

Answer 4

I'll tell you, it's stupid. Stupid that you would throw out your medication because you might gain weight. Unbelievably stupid.

Answer 5

which is more important at this time? weight loss or breathing?

Answer 6

Herbs my friend, are very good herbal formulas in the market
georgina@foywellnesscenter