I have a bad cold and the dr gave me methylprednisolone 4 mg for 6 days. I want to know if im going to gain weight because of it and how much weight will i gain.
Does methylprednisolone make you gain weight?
Question posted by nonaoxox on 4 Feb 2012
Last updated on 22 April 2019 by Lizzielou739
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10 Answers
Official Answer by Drugs.com
19 Sep 2018
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Short term corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Corticosteroids have many side effects. Weight gain is one of them. They cause weight gain by altering the body’s electrolyte and water balances, as well as its metabolism.
Not everyone experiences weight gain. Generally, the higher the dose of the steroid and the longer you’re on it, the more likely you are to encounter weight gain. Short courses of a few days to a couple of weeks don’t usually produce many side effects.
For more information please visit:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/methylprednisolone-dose-pack-side-effects.html
Lizzielou739
22 April 2019
High doses of cortisone medication taken for an extended period of time will possibly cause weight gain. Short term use of cortisone medication in decreasing doses generally does not cause weight gain.
Linda1031
4 Sep 2018
You may or may not . I usually do not if you eat right and exercise and watch salt you won’t . It can make you retain water so drink water to flush your system.
Linda1031
4 Sep 2018
That depends on many factors your exercise, salt intake and calories. I never gain on prednisone but I watch the salt exercise daily . It can cause water weight but remember 4mg predpack is a small dose. Each day it tapers . Good luck
Kraagas
22 Jan 2018
My doctor prescribe me 4 mg of methylprednisolone for 6 days.my question is do I have to finish for 6 days?
Robynbake
26 Feb 2017
Yes!!! I just finished my pack 2 days ago and I'm still munching on everything in site. I even had gastric bypass surgery last year and still managed to eat an entire bagel( after eating all day). I ballooned up with water weight. My hands are even swollen. I hope this ends soon, I'm eating way too much. It's like I can't stop stuffing my face . LOL. It also made my adrenaline run high. I still have that flight or fight feeling , uneasy feeling. Steroids are nasty but, necessary ..
LadyCaution
2 Feb 2013
I just started the 4mg methylprednisolone 4 mgs for 6 days. So I do not have any comments on weight gain as yet. *I am wondering how the methylprednisolone worked for you Nonaoxox? Although you post last February... maybe you check in now and then.
Ccoleman2014
24 Jan 2014
I just finished taking my 4mg methylprednisolone 6day pack Last week i am eating everything in sight and didn't know why until I decided to look it up. I will be so glad when this is over. I have gained two pounds so far.
sanchez52
23 Aug 2014
I gained 19 lbs in a year but I used for a long time I lost 40 lbs though by exercising in 2012 losed the wheat and sugar and lost the 40 lbs, I just got the 6 days packet will start Saturday but know to stay away from junk so I don't gain not even a lb.
alvarez1
16 Oct 2014
I just started taking the med 2 days ago and am already gaining weight. W some kind of exercise help me? Something like walking.
pup6767
6 Feb 2012
Dear nona. Temporary weight gain is common with a medrol dose pack... which is what a methylprednisolone pack is. When u stop the medication on the last day when u take only one u should see your weight normalize. All steroids will cause weight gain. Good luck and I hope u feel better soon. Pup
DzooBaby
6 Feb 2012
You can most certainly gain weight. As Marvell said, it is difficult to say how much. The weight can be water weight from retained fluids (which you will lose quickly as soon as you stop the medicine) but steroids also increase ones appetite so you can gain from increased caloric intake too. Just be sure to watch your calorie intake. Be sure you get a healthy amount of nutritious calories without going over to prevent caloric gain. Be sure you drink plenty of fluids and watch your sodium (salt) intake to prevent water retention. Yes, it sounds crazy but drinking a lot of water prevents water retention! If you have a lot of sodium in the system, it helps to flush it out therefore keeping sodium related retention to a minimum. Fluids are also important with a cold to help to liquify secretions and allow them to be expelled more easily. Hope you feel better soon!
Inactive
7 Feb 2012
Yes! Hide the potatoe chip bag or have someone else do it for you! I hate taking prednisone, but sometimes is necessary. Gives you the muchies horribly at times. Makes your face red & hot feeling too, but that is normal. Depends on the dose you are on for all of this. 6 days is a minimal dose, so don't worry, just enjoy the effects of the good!
Marvell
5 Feb 2012
It is difficult to say how much weight you would gain in 6 days. Some people do find an increase in appetite but the weight gain may not be significant.
Tara Tan
9 March 2018
I just had this medication for a random flair up with swollen half of face and neck bumps prior. I did feel a bit more water weight but I am a health nut regardless so, I still went to the gym for one hour cardio and 15 minutes arms with a 10 minute sauna. I also only had one meal daily and snacked on fruit (blueberries and blackberries). No weight gain at the end. Drink a lot of water because it helps flush through the meds and keeps your body working optimally.
Related topics
Further information
- Methylprednisolone uses and safety info
- Methylprednisolone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methylprednisolone (detailed)
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