Weight gain from oral corticosteroids (like cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone) is typically temporary and often lasts until the medication is stopped or the dosage is significantly reduced. Most people find it is easier to lose the extra weight 6 to 12 months after discontinuing the medication, provided they maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
All corticosteroids, including prednisone, carry the risk of interacting with quinolone antibiotics (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin) and causing a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone) to rupture. Mixing prednisone and penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin is considered safe, says Madison.
Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include: A buildup of fluid, causing swelling in your lower legs. High blood pressure. Problems with mood swings, memory, behavior, and other psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium.
This can become a real issue for people and although I have not got a magic answer I have a few tips that may help. Weight does seem to normalise again once the steroids have stopped. This can take between 6 and 12 months.
To lose weight in two weeks, your body needs to burn more calories than you consume. A safe and effective target is reducing 500–750 calories per day, which typically results in losing 1–2 pounds per week. Over two weeks, this adds up to a total deficit of 7,000–10,500 calories.
Short-term courses of prednisone appear to have less effect on weight. So if you're taking prednisone for around 10 days or less, you're not as likely to have weight gain. But you should never stop taking prednisone without your healthcare provider's approval and instructions.
Fluid retention can be controlled by eating a diet low in sodium – no more than 2,000 mg a day – and higher in potassium. You can find a list of high-sodium foods to avoid in the General Guidelines for Healthy Eating. You can increase your potassium intake by eating potassium-rich foods such as: Apricots.
Common side effects
Prednisone usually works very quickly, within a few hours to days of taking the first dose depending on the condition you are treating. If the prescribed dose of prednisone is effective at reducing your inflammation, then you may notice an effect within hours.
Both medications taken together can cause serious gastric complications in some patients. If after taking you develop any unusual bleeding or stomach pain, dizziness or tarry stools tell your doctor immediately.
Steroids can irritate the stomach lining. We recommend you take medication, such as omeprazole, before taking your steroids. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) designed to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced and limit the irritation of the stomach lining.
What may interact with this medication?
Eat healthy and stay active. Reduce sodium intake and drink lots of water. To satisfy an increased appetite and curb snacking, choose healthy proteins, fiber-rich carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Try eating six small meals instead of three large ones.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are your first-line defense when looking for prednisone alternatives. These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Great for general inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroids (“steroids”) like prednisone can help lower inflammation. One of their long-term side effects is weight gain. Prednisone and other steroids mimic a hormone in the body called cortisol. Experts believe this stimulates appetite and changes the way the body processes fats and sugars.
Prednisone may cause thinning of the bones even in people who are not usually at high risk for osteoporosis (for example: males, young people). In people susceptible to osteoporosis, prednisone may accelerate the process of bone loss.
The key differences between prednisolone and prednisone are as follows: Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone. Once prednisone is converted to prednisolone, this active form of the drug act on the immune system to lower the body's inflammatory response.
Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water and fluids helps support your kidneys as they flush out prednisone. Exercise: Physical activity helps support your metabolism and blood circulation. This helps your body process and eliminate drugs efficiently.
Moon face is often caused by long-term use of steroid medications like prednisone. To reduce swelling, drink more water, get enough sleep, and reduce salt intake. Don't stop taking corticosteroids abruptly; taper off under a health care provider's guidance.
Key Takeaway:
✨Some patients can lose up to 10 pounds in 2 weeks, especially when the body reaches metabolic ignition through structured nutrition, increased activity, and medical support.
In a research study over a two-year period, this usage caused patients to gain between 4-8% of their baseline body weight (Da Silva et al., 2006). So, when it comes to oral steroids, there is evidence to suggest that weight gain is a possible side effect.
If you develop a puffy face while taking steroids, you might wonder how long moon face lasts. The appearance of moon face can start to fade when you stop taking steroids, but it may take several weeks or even months for your face to return to normal.
Prevention. You can take steps to prevent prednisone-related weight gain. Avoid foods that are high in sodium, such as fast foods, chips, prepackaged foods and canned and frozen foods because these cause you to retain water. Increased potassium intake can combat water retention.
The fluid retention and increased appetite from prednisone often go away once the medication is stopped or reduced to less than 10 mg/day. However, you should never lower your dose or stop taking prednisone without your healthcare provider's okay.