I have been on prednisone for 2 weeks now 40 mg a day to help me get over pneumonia, my question is that since starting this medication I have put on 10 pounds (swelling) could this swelling be from prednisone, if so how long will it last. The weight cannot be from eating because I have not felt like eating. Just wondering if anyone knew. Thanks
2007-09-14 02:26:09 · 5 answers · asked by Yep it's me 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
The weight you gained and the "swollen" looks can be attributed as side effects of prednisone you are on.
Prednisone causes retention of sodium or salt and losing potassium in the body. As the result, there will be fluid retention, weight gain, and bloating.
To avoid or minimize avoid fluid retention, eat a reduced sodium diet and increase your potassium intake by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit,and oranges.
Prednisone can also cause an increase in appetite. It is a surprise in your case since you feel not liking to eat.
Your illness may also keep you quite sedentary. decreased physical activity while taking prednisonne can contribute in gaining weight somehow.
The bad thing in gaining weight while on prednisone is that prednisone can cause redistribution of fat. The weight tends to be located in the face, back of the neck, and the abdomen.
The good news is that those side effects mentioned are reversible when the dosage of prednisone is taken below 10 mg/day.
The fluid retention and increased appetite will gradually decrease. The weight gain, however, will not just reverse by itself- you need to help yourself by modifying your diet and doing regular exercises. The duration of losing the weight gained will depend on your diet modifications and exercise- just like someone losing weight the usual way.
2007-09-14 04:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, yeah! It both increases appetite and causes fluid retention. I imagine you're about finished with your course of medication, so I'd suspect you won't have to worry about the extra calories you might have munched down. The fluid excess will correct itself pretty quickly after a short course, so you can probably expect it to be gone in the next couple of weeks.
2007-09-14 04:24:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
prednisone causes fluid retention- that's a known side effect.
with prolonged usage, you can get a centripetal obesity, but that wouldn't happen in just a matter of a few weeks.
2007-09-14 19:05:25 · answer #3 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's an unavoidable side effect of the drug. Every woman I know has gained weight while taking it.
2007-09-14 02:34:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really, many skin diseases are helped by corticosteriods. The corticosteriods in the cream keep her body from reacting to whatever it is that is causing her skin problem. if it helped why not ask the dermatologist to prescribe this to her permanently?
2016-05-19 03:05:43 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋