Drugs forming part of a genre of meds called corticosteroids are known to control immune cells. Key ingredients of such steroids are used to change the way your system responds to allergic conditions. Prescription of corticosteroids help treat allergic symptoms such as formation of rashes, itchiness, pains as well as inflammation. Prednisone is one of the widely administered corticosteroids. This med can effectively manage allergic conditions of the skin, a few immune system-based disorders, joint pain, etc. But, does prednisone make you gain weight? It can be useful to have needful details on this.
Corticosteroid-based meds are prescribed for large spectrum of clinical conditions. For instance, these meds are used for treating joint pains triggered by autoimmune conditions like arthritis, allergic responses such as rashes or itchiness, disorders of your immune system, blood conditions, etc. It is essential to take corticosteroids as per the guidance and instructions of a certified caregiving team.
Prednisone/PrednisoloneIn this milieu, what is prednisone?
Prednisone is one of the well-known drugs. It is grouped under a family of meds called corticosteroids. This drug is chiefly administered to change the way the immune system functions. Prednisone is made of chemicals that decrease spells of allergies, including itchiness, swelling of skin, rashes or hives caused by getting exposed to an allergen. You may get such allergies upon being exposed to foreign bodies like pollen, mites, pet dander, etc.
Caregivers prescribe prednisone for treating inflammation of joints due to autoimmune conditions like arthritis. Doctors administer it for treating eye-based infectious conditions. The drug is used for managing reddening of eyes, It is also taken to reduce respiratory problems like wheezing.
Does prednisone make you gain weight?
Yes, prednisone may lead to weight gain as it may boost your appetite level. Also, this drug is known to retain excessive levels of fluids. Medical studies show that the key chemicals of prednisone may redistribute bodily-fats to organs like neck, stomach as well as face. Owing to these aftereffects, you tend to gain weight.
On retention of fluids, prednisone is known to hold salts such as sodium. It may also make you lose salts like potassium. Your system tends to bloat as a result of these two effects.
You can counter a likely gain of bodyweight by consuming less sodium in your diet. Your doctor may also tell you to take more potassium-rich foods like bananas, dates, grapefruit, cantaloupe, etc. You dietitian may advise a calorie-lean daily food-intake plan. It is also equally necessary to follow a daily workout regime all through your dosage plan.
It is a good practice to eat fiber-intensive diet. Also, it can be beneficial to exercise portion control and eat smaller meals. Taking three large-sized meals is not recommended while you are taking prednisone.
Safety measures needed while using corticosteroids like prednisone
It is not a good practice to discontinue the intake of prednisone without taking the consent of your caregiver or pharmacist. Your treating doctor is likely to taper the doses of this steroidal med before bringing your medication plan to a complete stop. Those who stop the med in an abrupt manner are likely to witness a few symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms may show up as headaches, intestinal problems like diarrhea, dyspepsia / indigestion, vomiting, etc.
Upon noticing signs of withdrawal of prednisone, it is highly recommended to talk to your physician without delay. In some rare instances, signs such as breathing problems are encountered. In such cases, you are advised to dial 911 (in the US) quickly. If you are a resident of Canada, call Health Canada for emergency support. You may also go to a poison control unit working nearer home and obtain needful clinical assistance.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
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