Question:
Will I gain weight?

My Dr. just put me on an 8 day supply of Prenizone for poision ivy. Starting with 40 mg tonight and ending with 5 mg on the last day. Will I gain weight from this? I was told by people I could. Please help with any input, thanks.    — Tammy B. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 22, 2002
Hi, last september I had poison ivy and had to take prednisone THREE different times and YES, I gained 11 pounds in a matter of a few weeks. After I got off all the steroids, I only lost 5lbs. I believe I have something about my poison ivy experience on my profile. I even had my first scheduled WLS canceled due to the poison ivy. Good luck, I feel for ya hon.
   — Tina P.

May 23, 2002
Unfortunately, Prednisone is a very nasty drug. There are other things problems with taking prednisone, but the most notable is the weight gain. I have been on prednisone for as long as I can remember now. I have had to take anywhere from 60 mg. per day to 10 mg. per day, every day for at least the last 10 years or so. Believe me, even a short course of prednisone can cause weight gain. HOWEVER, sometimes it is a necessary evil. I have severe asthma and when I try to taper off the prednisone, I will usually end up in the hospital and can't breathe properly until I get the prednisone or IV steroids. Naturally, I've gained over 125 pounds because of the prednisone. Since my surgery in Dec. 2000, I have lost 100 pounds, but have regained about 8 pounds in the past month. My physician is positive it is because of the prednisone and is still determined to try to wean me off the steroids. Sorry about the long story, but I guess I'm trying to say that yes, you may gain weight from the prednisone, no, it's not impossible to lose, yes, it will be difficult to lose, and PLEASE make sure your doctor weans you from the prednisone AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Eight days may not cause much gain, but it is definitely a possibility. Good luck! Maria
   — Maria H.