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Posted 4/25/2009 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
I was just wondering how long it took people to gain weight on prednisone and at what dose did you. Also how long did it take you to get a moon face from it.

My doctor is going to start me on azathiroprine but is waiting on enzyme tests to see if i can take it...also he said it says it takes 3-6 months or whatever to start working sooo he wants me to take prednisone to getting the bleeding under control. I have never really been on it and wondering waht to expect. I hope I can get off of this fairly fast.

Posted 4/25/2009 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Both of those side effects are considered common but I never gained weight from pred and never got moon face, you may not either, but generally some time after the pred is out of your system moon face tends to go away on it's own and as far as the weight gain, that will vary for people cuz if you fall into another flare typically the weight can just fall off, but it varies for each person. Try to eat as healthy as possible (very low salt and very low sugar) while on pred and maybe even try to do 30 minutes of cardio at least 3X/week to help combat the possible chance that you might gain weight from it...drink lots of water too.

:)
Posted 4/25/2009 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't worry about the moon face or weight gain, if you watch what you eat and don't eat more than usual you will not gain weight. I have been on and off prednisone for several years including the last 3 months very high doses (IV400ml/day then 60mg day tapering) and i have either lost weight or don't look much different. However you will notice the other side effects like sore joints (especially the knees and ankles) and sleep disruption and probably mood swings. At least that's the side effects i get. One good thing is prednisone seems to make my skin really clear and smooth like a babies skin.
Posted 4/25/2009 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
     I have never gained weight while on prednisone, but a lot of people do.  I believe I don't because I get so darned sick with the UC.  I generally develop the moon face a few months into the prednisone.  Not really sure how long I retain it though.  My last dose of prednisone was Nov 1st and the pictures my family took at Christmas I still have the moon face.  I don't have it now.
Posted 4/25/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)

My experience is the moomface came about a month after starting and tapering to 20 mg.  I am waiting now for blood tests to see about tapering prednisone and increasing 6 MP (been on that for two months).  The plan is working so far.  Side effects otherwise is that I have the "munchhies" so bad - if you can control that you won't gain weight.  I have gained about 6 lbs. since first of the year which is very good for me (I am obese to start with and love to eat).  I also have the nice skin once again and prednisone helped my arthritis pain.  Sleeping may be a problem but I take Xanax for anxiety and help sleeping. Main thing is that I am very, very close to remission (hate to jinx myself) and happy about that.  When I taper to 15 mg. prednisone I am praying it stays that way. 

Good luck!  ElaineNY

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