Prednisone and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• von...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2021

For Inflammatory Conditions "Have been on prednisone for almost 3 years. To me, it is a miracle drug for the many conditions (knee osteoarthritis, allergic bronchitis (COVID) breathing problems), possible adrenal gland insufficiency, prostate enlargement, and intestinal bowel syndrome, I have had. I have had to go to an out-of-country pharmacy as most doctors will not use it in the long term. I have experimented with dosage, frequency, etc. Have tapered off several times just to have my quality of life lessen and pain recurring. Currently on 20 mg a day as this dosage is 'ideal' for my conditions. I am fully aware of the side effects, dangers, weight gain, sleeplessness, reduced bone density, adrenal gland atrophy, etc., but life is a risk, and I would rather have a quality of life better than just surviving."

• Niy...
• June 24, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2012. September 2013 was the last time I wore a pair of heels, and I have been living with severe pains throughout my entire body. I had seen 5 different doctors, prescribed Methotrexate & HCQS, but I would still be in so much pain, crying had become a normal part of my day. I was advised to see a sixth doctor (which I was not anxious to do) who was the only person to prescribe prednisolone. On the very first day (2014/06/04), I was given IV Hydrocortisone and 30mg of Prednisone. Before the day ended, I was feeling so much better. To date, I'm on 20mg of Prednisone and Sulfasalazine, and I'm back at work, running up & down stairs, and so much happier to be like my old self. I do worry about the side effects since I have already gained weight, but I am so much better."

• RAm...
• November 6, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This medication is slowly but surely bringing me back to life. I've been going through a flare for about 5 months, with no resolve. Even tried depo medrol - intramuscular shot. Which did nothing. I see reviews of people advising caution and saying you should NEVER take this drug. But what do you do if you're a 29-year-old mom of 3 young children? Who works full time? Who can barely get out of bed? I will happily take moon face, happily meal plan to control weight gain, happily lose a little sleep. I will happily deal with these things in order to STAND without falling over, rock my baby to sleep without agonizing shoulder pain, make my children dinner and work! For me, the benefits outweigh the risks! Do what is right for you!"

• Lau...
• August 27, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I was given prednisone for 7 years. I was told to get off or die. It took me 1 full year to get off of them as we had to do it milligram by milligram each month. I got completely off for the last 2 months. I cried every day, could hardly walk, started using a cane and wheelchair when I did get up the strength to go out. Two days ago I said SCREW this! I started on just 5mg and today I'm up and walking, no cane, I walked freely! So I die earlier? At least I'm going out able to hang out with family for as long as I can! I've told them all my decision. They don't like it, but they have their mom back and can see how much better I am compared to 3 days ago. Yes, you can gain weight. I've gained a lot in those 7 years, 60 pounds. I'm gonna fix that!"

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I developed RA after my appendix burst 7 years ago. Out of the 4 Rheumatologists I have had, none have seen a case as aggressive as mine. Within 2 years I was completely bedridden and under the care of others. While the side effects are horrible (no sleep, infections, hair falling out, weight gain and moon face), I continue to ask for it in high doses. I don't expect to live much longer, but I would rather live where my pain is manageable with pain meds than in the fetal position curled up in my bed crying 24/7. This disease is the worst."

• rhe...
• January 8, 2012

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis eight years ago and have been on many concoctions of pills since. When I got really bad flares that rendered me disabled, I was treated with prednisone. For me, this has been a miracle. I have had it injected into affected joints and also general injections. When injected into joints, the relief is almost instant, I could walk, move my hands like a miracle. When injected generally, it took three or four separate injections over 3-4 days before any improvement, but it worked every time. I have to say, I don't know what I would have done over the years without prednisone. The side effects I suffered were weight gain and insomnia, but these were better than being in agony and disabled."

• LAr...
• November 15, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "It is a trap. Been taking 10 mg Prednisone daily for three years for severe RA. I also take Plaquenil. A weight gain of 35 pounds, dark circles under my eyes, scabs and bruises on my arms and legs. My rheumatologist finally said ENOUGH! Now weaning off Prednisone. I have never felt worse in my life but for my burnt lung experience on Humira. My God, what a terrible disease RA is. I wish something really helped. I wish there was some way to make the pain stop. Some days I feel like a prisoner. I can't work, sitting and watching TV makes it worse, so I make up jobs to do outside and pretend like I make a contribution."

• kis...
• January 18, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was hospitalized 2 years ago with RA for a week, that's how bad I was. I woke up totally crippled in every joint, it hit me all at once. I have been on prednisone since day one, in the hospital I was on 260 mg, get the picture of how bad I was. I have been on 60 mg for over a year on top of every RA med you could imagine plus I get injections of prednisone twice a month, we rotate every joint from my neck to my legs. And yes, it is a miracle work since nothing else has helped but it has made me so fat, 60 lbs in two years with a round face. It also causes serious side effects with diabetes. I wish I could get off of it, I stopped on my own once and was in severe pain and felt like I had the flu and my rheumatologist from John Hopkins said I had withdrawals."

• Nin...
• April 9, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA and had the opinion and experimentation of drugs from 6 different doctors, and none worked. Until one day, my 7th doctor prescribed prednisolone (prednisone). Less than 24 hours after taking it, I felt so much better. I began to do things on my own again, like hold a teacup, stand, or walk faster than I had in almost 2 years. The pain I felt every night and woke with every morning was now manageable. The moon face and weight gain were small prices to pay to be able to comb my own hair. I've weaned off from 20 mg to 2.5 mg per day, and that was great. But after a flare, I was forced to up my dosage again. Learning how to manage it with prednisone helps. Side effects of long-term use is important, but having the ability to live a normal life while having RA is a gift. Do what works for you."

• Rac...
• June 29, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had a full bone scan and found arthritis in almost every joint, the worst being knee, wrists, fingers, feet, and neck. I was prescribed Prednisone, and within 1-2 days they worked. However, one of the side effects is weight gain. I do recommend them if you don't mind putting on a lot of weight. I didn't stay on them because of this but have taken full-strength Glucosamine every day for years. I think over time they have gradually repaired some damage to the joints. A lot of times I could feel an attack of arthritis coming on, I would feel extremely tired, words even slurred so I would take 1/2 to 1 Prednisone, no pain the next day."

• Apr...
• May 10, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've struggled with fibromyalgia for 15 years. I was prescribed prednisone for bronchitis, and in one day's time, I was pain-free and had energy through the roof! I struggle a lot with daily things and not having the strength or energy to do them. It's very depressing. I've considered asking my doctor to give it to me on a daily basis, but I'm a little unsure. The bone weakening and weight gain concern me, especially since I'm a mature woman at age 42. Anyone that takes it, I ask: do the pros outweigh the cons? By the way, I'm a recovering addict. I was addicted to pain pills, all prescribed by a pain doctor for the fibromyalgia. I chose to come off them but had to have help. Will prednisone do me the same way? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!"

• Sam...
• July 18, 2011

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have polymyalgia rheumatoiditis in my joints. The only thing for this disease is prednisone, so I take it. I have had 10 lbs of weight gain, hot flashes all the time, excessive urination (at least 5 times during the night) but the pain in my joints is gone. I am slowly working my way off of prednisone I and a half tabs right now) within 12 - 15 weeks, I should be off, and my disease should be gone. So I'm a lucky one."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

Prednisone for Eczema "I'm rating this a 'one' reluctantly because it truly worked miracles. I've wrestled with eczema for years and it has become quite painful. An ER doctor prescribed this when I was there for an unrelated issue. Within days, my open skin and rough patches were completely gone. But the side effects... I put on 15 pounds in under two weeks, with a painfully swollen gut, stomach pains, and insomnia. Upon visiting my regular physician, he refused to renew the prescription, explaining that these side effects, and potentially much worse, were due to the Prednisone."

• Lif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I am 45 years old and have had one of the most acute cases of bronchial asthma in the world. I have been prescribed prednisone since I was a little girl. This is how prednisone works: If you take a high dose and taper over about a week, you should feel relief from just about any pain caused by inflammation, rash, and asthma by day two. For that, nothing works better. If you have to take prednisone for a longer period of time, you'll suffer from huge weight gain, acne, moon face, body aches, hyperactivity, sleeplessness, and severe moodiness. I was just released from a four-week stay in ICU for asthma and double pneumonia on 125 mg every four hours. I gained 60 lbs and my face looked like Miss Piggy. They had to treat the prednisone symptoms!"

• Glo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Works so well for me. I have osteoarthritis, too. After 2 days of prednisone, 80 mg, 60 mg, no pain, no spasms, no fatigue, don't have to sleep 9 hours. Have energy. Swelling in hip, shoulder reduced 85%. Wish I could stay on this miracle drug, but I gain weight and have other side effects that are not healthy. I can only use short term, 4 days, but sure LOVE those days!!"

• Mel...
• March 26, 2016

For Skin Rash "I have been dealing with an itchy, red, flaky rash on my face (chin area) for a few months. I've tried just about every over-the-counter cream and ointment recommended by doctors. The PA I work with suggested prednisone for a week's time. Two 20 mg for the first dose, then one 20 mg tablet twice a day for 5 days. I took my first dose at 6:30 pm, and by 7 am the next morning, my rash was 75% gone. I heard weight gain is a huge side effect from the meds, but I can live with that over the embarrassing rash I had for months."

• rom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2015

For Asthma "After reading your comments, I thought I was the only one. Every three months, I need to get a 10-day dose just to breathe and be able to sleep more than four-hour increments. This has been going on for almost three years now. Side effects are not as troublesome as not being able to breathe. Makes me super hungry and feel like I can do anything, even though I get winded fast. Weight gain is a downside, but until doctors can figure out a different method, this will have to do for now. I was looking for others to see if any long-time years on the meds what those side effects look like? So far, I can't find any info."

• Pmr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "For my polymyalgia rheumatica, I was taking four ibuprofen three times per day, which provided only some relief from the joint and muscle pain. I had severe pain in my wrists and pain and stiffness in my shoulders, back, and legs. I started on 25 mg/day, and most of my symptoms disappeared. I have been tapering for six months now and am down to 8 mg/day. Some symptoms have returned but at a very manageable level. I have experienced some weight gain, maybe 5-7 pounds. At times, I feel a bit of anxiety and possibly a little depression that may be related to the prednisone. No other side effects at this point."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2011

For Skin Rash "I got a terrible rash from being exposed to poison ivy. It was all over. The prednisone was a terrifically fast cure. However, I experienced terrible side effects: increased sweating, shakiness, mood swings (my poor boyfriend), and weight gain."

• Gue...
• December 31, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "Prednisone works well when it needs to, but the side effects are horrible. I'm only 16, had my first flare when I was 14. I ended up on prednisone for almost 6 months while trying to find a treatment that worked for me (Asacol, then Remicade, etc.), and it did keep my flare in check. While I was on it, I had a huge appetite and ended up gaining close to 20 pounds. My face also got swollen, and I grew hair in some gross places like the back of my neck. After I was off it, I slowly returned to my normal weight, and most of the side effects disappeared. The side effects are a bummer, but other than that it does its job."

• Nui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "If you can't handle any more ibuprofen for swelling, I highly recommend prednisone. My glands in my jaw swelled up, and the only thing that helped it was prednisone. Yes, you're always hungry on it and can get an upset stomach. You can get very irritable on it. Yes, you do gain weight, but some side effects can be reduced if you take the same amount of the medicine throughout the day and not all at once."

• Iha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2018

For COPD "Unfortunately, I was an inpatient for 4 days for COPD and got hooked up to Pred in my IV, too sick to do anything. I was sent home taking 60 mg of the stuff! I was never warned about side effects, its contraindication with a MDD diagnosis, how it would destroy my fibromyalgia, anxiety, Inattentive ADD medication regimen efficacy, or that it would have to be slowly tapered down. I've put on 30 lbs of weight in areas I never have before, like my neck and upper back. I have no idea how I'll lose it in time for my wedding in 6 months. After tapering down to 10 mg and just wanted to be done with it for good, I went off CT and 7 days in I couldn't urinate, eat, sleep, walk, lift anything, or breathe. My hands, feet, and calves swelled to 2 times their normal size during this time. Having no other option, I went back on the Pred and within a day lost 15 lbs of fluid that my body held in during withdrawal. The depression, fear of becoming an invalid, and excruciating pain of that week put me in a dark place."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 2, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is the best medicine for me: I have RA for about 4 years. The doctors and professors gave me a lot of different medicine. I was so sore in my joints and had swelling (my entire body), also got depression about it that I did not want to be alive anymore. Then one GP gave me prednisone, I started with 10 a day, went down to 2 a day. Now I am taking 1 or 2 a day after I had breakfast, depending on the stiffness and pain in the morning. Some days, like maybe 1 a month or in 2 months, I will take 3 or 4 for 1 or 2 days when I have a flare-up. I only take one other medication with it. I am so happy about it and will keep on until I'm not here anymore! I believe, because my daily intake is not high, I am OK for all the other negative side effects. I do not gain weight at all."

• The...
• March 8, 2011

Prednisone for Allergic Reactions "We generally use prednisone (Deltasone is the brand name) for our chronic lung disease patients. It seems to be effective for opening the airways, but it is not for immediate rescue. We generally use it to keep the airway open after we give something like albuterol initially. Some things to keep in mind: your blood sugar may be checked because cortisones (which is what this is) can cause hyperglycemia. Also, cortisones can cause water retention and weight gain. Generally, over a long period of time, I have seen it also affect skin tissue, but it is better to be able to breathe."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2012

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was started on 60 mg in the hospital. I have a rare condition, I am told. I was good until I dropped down to 30 mg, then I was crying, mean, ill, swollen, and couldn't walk on my feet because of the pain (swelling). Went back to the doctor, they were dropping me down 10 mg every 7 days. My doctor has now upped the medications and is dropping me down slower. I do not like the weight gain. I feel very tight, and my face is very round. I am only 5 ft 2 and was 135. Now I am 145, and I can feel it. I am told that it may be 1 to 2 months before I am weaned off. But I guess having the weight gain is better than the alternative, my doctor also put me on Lasix and potassium."