Prednisone- Can the weight gain occur pretty fast?

[Robby36]

My girlfriend had started plaquenil around December 13. She was also given prednisone to take once Daily. But we told them we didn’t really want her on steroids. So she only took them if she had a flare up. Let’s say she took them five to six times. Is it possible to put on some pounds or retain water from a short amount of pills?

[PMRpro]

Some people do but everyone is different. You can minimise the fluid retention with pred by restricting salt and weight gain by cutting carbs, especially simple white carbs, processed foods and sugar, drastically.

By the way, according to studies long term use of hydroxychloroquine is also associated with weight gain so don;t blame the pred for it all. The weight gain due to pred can be managed well when you know how and it is very effective used properly - don't rule out using pred altogether. I've been on it for over 10 years with few problems and lost 35lbs of weight gained due to inactivity due to the a/i disorder I have and one form of steroid - by cutting carbs. It also often helps the inflammation as well.

[Vroni]

Hi

I can only tell you from my own experience that I take 3 weeks worth of steroids everytime I have a bad rhumatoid flare up and it makes no difference to my weight.

Hope this helps

Vroni

[Dayseyes]

I have taken Prednisone for flare ups, for just 1 week at a time. It certainly helped with giving me a boost of energy but I don't think it was a long enough time period to change my weight. If you are less physically active due to flare up and taking it, perhaps it may be this that is causing the weight gain. Take care 🙂