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Must I Continue Taking Hydrocortisone Despite Feeling Weakness?
Posted on
Thu, 14 Jun 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 14 Jun 2018
Answered on
Wed, 5 Jan 2022
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello. I recently saw an Integrative Health doctor. After testing, he concluded that I have Adrenal Insufficiency. As a result, he put me on Hydrocortisone 10 mg. I take 2 pills with breakfast and then 1 with lunch. Since this is a steroid, I have gained a lot of weight. Can you tell me please, is there anything to counteract this side effect? If not, would exercise have any impact or would it have no effect since this is medication -induced? How long does the average person stay on this medication? Also, should I continue taking it on a daily basis or just when I feel really week like I did originally? Unfortunately, my doctor is not available at this time, so I am asking you. Thank you so much and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Brief Answer:
Reduce the sodium intake and do physical exercises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Prolonged use of hydrocortisone can cause weight gain. It happens because of fluid retention. It can also cause increased appetite which may also contribute to weight gain.
The best method to prevent hydrocortisone induced weight gain is to avoid sodium intake and increase potassium so that fluid retention will be drastically reduced. eating a reduced sodium diet and increasing potassium intake through potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and lima beans) can help. Taking diuretics (water pill) like Furosemide 10Mg daily can also help to lose weight.
You can do physical exercise as more sodium excreted through the sweat and fluid retention will be reduced.
In most cases, prolonged periods of treatment is required. It is always better to take the drug on a daily basis as advised by your doctor.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks
Reduce the sodium intake and do physical exercises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Prolonged use of hydrocortisone can cause weight gain. It happens because of fluid retention. It can also cause increased appetite which may also contribute to weight gain.
The best method to prevent hydrocortisone induced weight gain is to avoid sodium intake and increase potassium so that fluid retention will be drastically reduced. eating a reduced sodium diet and increasing potassium intake through potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and lima beans) can help. Taking diuretics (water pill) like Furosemide 10Mg daily can also help to lose weight.
You can do physical exercise as more sodium excreted through the sweat and fluid retention will be reduced.
In most cases, prolonged periods of treatment is required. It is always better to take the drug on a daily basis as advised by your doctor.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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