Prednisone and weight gain
 

I started taking Pred 3 weeks ago. My Dr. asked me yesterday if I have an increased appetite or felt like I was retaining water from it. I told him I occasionally feel like I am retaining water but so far no increased appetite or weight gain. I am drinking alot and wonder if the water retention feeling is from that. I am wondering does the weight gain come from an increase in appetite only or can you still gain weight if you continue to eat the same amount of food and exercise? One of my biggest fears with Pred was the weight gain. The Dr. told me yesterday he plans to keep me on it long term so I want to be prepared if weight gain is going to be something I can't keep under control with diet and exercise.
Kendra

prednisone and weight gain
 

Lizzie,
Yikes that scares me. I was affraid of that but was hoping it was something I could avoid with diet and exercise. Thanks for the info.
Kendra

Hey Kendra,

I've been on at least 60mgs of prednisone since the end of July (so a little over 3-months). I haven't gained any weight, maybe a pound or two. However, my face has swollen to almost three times its normal size. I know it's a downer, but it's a given that it could happen. I'm not sure if that's much of a problem on a lower dosage, though. Also, reducing the amount of salt in the diet helps with the swelling. I notice a difference if I've eaten potato chips, or fast food of some sort each day or not in regards to the swelling.

prednisone and weight gain
 

Hey Nicky,
Do you take 60mg every day or every other? I am sooo glad to hear you haven't gained any weight!!! I have been reading some stuff on the internet tonight and it said exactly what you did about trying to keep salt intake down. That is going to be tough for me, I love salty popcorn. I am definitely going to try and start using less though. I also read that eating foods high in potassium helps keep weight gain down. I need to start eating a banana every day too I think. Thanks for the info. I feel better after hearing how you've done with it.
Kendra

No prob., Kendra! I take 60 mgs everyday.

It also makes the appetite ravenous! Tonight, I decided to rent the 4th season of Lost and saw a Tim Hortons on the way, and had a sudden craving for a donut, so I obviously had to buy 6:o...I've had one, and plan on eating one more- and then I will restrain myself....These steroids make foods seem unbelievable delectably scrumptrulesant at times! I don't have these cravings all the time, though...Just the odd time...

Ditto on the bananas...I keep forgetting to buy them, I will definately grab some tomorrow...

I asked my pharmacist about taking a potassium supplement because I heard that potassium-rich foods might not cut it while taking high doses of prednisone...She told me that it's a bit dangerous to take potassium supplements, and you actually need a prescription- which makes sense...Did your doc. mention anything to you about possibly taking a supplement?

Ttys!
Nicky

prednisone and weight gain
 

Nicky,
I take 40 mg every other day. I am going to have a hard time if I start having major cravings. We don't have Tim Whorton's here in the US, is that a donut shop?

No my Neuro didn't say anything about taking a potassium supplement. I just found that doing some research online. I have read too that it can be dangerous to take the supplements. He did tell me that I needed to take at least 1,200 mg of Calcium daily to avoid weak bones and osteoporosis as I get older. Also told me to take Vit D daily. I bought a bottle of Os-Cal which has Calcium + Vit D in it.
Kendra

Nicky, and Kendra
 

prednisone and weight gain
 

Lizzie,
Gosh if you're craving tomato soup, pickles and celery that is pretty good. None of those are fattening foods. So far I can't say I've had horrendous cravings. I do seem to crave more sugar than before. I'm not sure if that's related to the pred or not. I bought some yogurt and granola bars to help with my sweet tooth although tonight I broke down and had Oreos. I have had really good results from the Pred and if I gain a few pounds I can live with that. I have heard these stories of people who have gained 30 or 40 pounds in a month or two of being on it and that is what scares me. I think being strict with myself like you said may be the trick. How many mg's of pred are you on daily Lizzie?
Kendra

Book recommendation
 

When I was put on prednisone (40mg daily) back in July, I was really freaking out about the possible weight gain. I was already overweight but had just started a low-salt diet recommended by my doctor for my blood pressure.

Based on a recommendation on this forum, I bought the book, "Coping With Prednisone" by Eugenia Zukerman and Julie R. Ingelfinger, M.D. I found it very helpful. It talks about a lot of things the doctors or pharmacists don't mention. I stuck to a low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar diet and lost weight (25 pounds so far). Granted I was only on prednisone for 3 months and my doctor began reducing the dosage after 2 weeks. I didn't experience any cravings or mood problems, so guess I was lucky.

If you are going to be on it long-term, it's important that you educate yourself about all the possible side effects.

I have been on prednisone since January 09. My dose has gone up and down during that time, my highest was 100mg/day while I was in hospital for the thymectomy. At one point in the summer I got down to 10 mg/day. Right now I have started my taper since late October and am currently at 25mg/day.

I have gained weight. I would say that I have gained 30 - 35 pounds. All of the weight has gone right to my abdomen and my face. My face is as round as a pie. I wonder where my cheekbones have gone. I do have cravings mostly for unhealthy stuff like sweets.

I also notice that my sleep habits are affected. I sometimes only sleep five hours a night. This is a real problem for me because I usually get eight to nine hours of sleep every night. When I don't get enough sleep my MG doesn't have a chance to "recover" overnight.

I am curious about the potassium supplement. My mom mentioned that maybe I should take it but I have never heard about it.

Kendra, I hope that the side effects you experience are minimal. Take care ~ Melanie

prednisone and weight gain
 

Kathy,
Thanks for the book info. I remember hearing some people talk about it but wasn't on Pred then so didn't pay alot of attention. I will go get it this weekend.
Congratulations on losing 25 pounds!!! That is incredible. I have been trying to cut down on my salt intake and am making sure I get plenty of potassium. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Kendra

prednisone and weight gain
 

Melanie,
I have to agree with you that I have noticed I am craving more sweets than usual. I have always been a person who craved salty foods so this is unusual for me. I also haven't slept good the last few nights. I go to sleep but feel like I wake up off and on all night long. I like you need 8 or 9 hours per night to feel decent.

As for the potassium I think eating 1 or 2 bananas a day is good. There is some risk of getting too much. Not sure what it is exactly but I know Dr. are cautious about prescribing supplements. I have read there is a connection between the weight gain and an increase of sodium in the body and a depletion of potassium. From what I understand if you eat a low salt diet and get enough potassium it is supposed to help keep weight gain to a minimum. This drug is truly a double edged sword. It has made a world of difference in how I feel but the side effects, short and long term are scary. Thanks for the reply.
Kendra

prednisone and weight gain
 

Lizzie,
I have heard of Cyclosporine but am not sure what it is used for. Is it an immuno suppresant?
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your step father. I know how tough that can be. My mom passed 7 years ago and it took a long time to get my Dad's life back on track as far as teaching him basic everyday things that Mom had always done. I can't imagine having to deal with that now that I have MG. I am sure your mom is so grateful to you for being there to help her.
Craving fresh veggies is awesome!!! I wish I could say that I am craving them!!!
Kendra