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Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
I have been on the dex (Decadron) since I relapsed in 2012. It took me about 5 years after my transplant in 2007. But I am having a big problem with my weight. Any idea on how I can stop my weight gain?
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Lynia
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
Hello Lynia,
I just read your post, and it reflects in fact what brought me tonight to this forum, I am too gaining weight and I can't stop it. I barely eat carbohydrates and I do not eat anything that is processed food. I am given Velcade (chemo treatment) twice a month and as part of the protocol, they give me Decadron to help with "inflammation", as I have been told.
I am so worried and need help.
I really hope that we both can stop this weight gaining soon.
Iris
I just read your post, and it reflects in fact what brought me tonight to this forum, I am too gaining weight and I can't stop it. I barely eat carbohydrates and I do not eat anything that is processed food. I am given Velcade (chemo treatment) twice a month and as part of the protocol, they give me Decadron to help with "inflammation", as I have been told.
I am so worried and need help.
I really hope that we both can stop this weight gaining soon.
Iris
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Iriszam - Name: Iris
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Jim
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 3rd, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 42
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
I gained alot of weight during my inductions, transplant ,recovery. 30 pounds! I am a petitie person (just over 5 feet tall) so for me this is about 1/4 of my body weight
I'm sure Dex had a lot to do with it. I was on high dose pulsed dex for months (40mg for four days, then four days off)
I feel so strongly that this is what made me gain a lot of weight that in the future if they try to pu me on this again I will refuse to take it. I felt so awful about myself, none of my clothes fit, My face in the mirror did not look like my face etc. When you are already dealing with cancer and hair loss etc its really unfair to also pack on the pounds amd feel awful about yourself.
I have been reading that lower doses of dex are just as effective (taken once a week or so) so I would try this low dose version. in the future.
In terms of loosing the weight. The steroids made all my muscles waste away. I had to focus on building muscle back up with weight activities. Cardio is fine, but it will not make you loose the weight, just make your lungs get more healthy! I did a lot swimming laps, as it is low impact and good for toning . I did the weight machines and I did toning classes using the excercise ball and light dumbell weights (3 pounds), some yoga and pilates.
I plateaued about 5-10 pounds above my pre dex weight and could not loose it, but then found out my thyroid was under active, so I started taking synthyroid and i felt better and was able to drop the last few pounds.
Of Course diet is also important. For me I eat pretty healthy, but my sister recomended I start doing a calorie counting program where you type in what you eat and it tells you how many calores and the nutritional breakdown. I need to keep under 1800 calories, which is not that much relatively speaking. I made some diet changes such as cutting out cream in my coffee (300 calories each cup!) and smaller portions, and am maintaining my pre cancer weight.
So its not easy to losse weight, but it is possible, it just takes a lot of focused effort
I'm sure Dex had a lot to do with it. I was on high dose pulsed dex for months (40mg for four days, then four days off)
I feel so strongly that this is what made me gain a lot of weight that in the future if they try to pu me on this again I will refuse to take it. I felt so awful about myself, none of my clothes fit, My face in the mirror did not look like my face etc. When you are already dealing with cancer and hair loss etc its really unfair to also pack on the pounds amd feel awful about yourself.
I have been reading that lower doses of dex are just as effective (taken once a week or so) so I would try this low dose version. in the future.
In terms of loosing the weight. The steroids made all my muscles waste away. I had to focus on building muscle back up with weight activities. Cardio is fine, but it will not make you loose the weight, just make your lungs get more healthy! I did a lot swimming laps, as it is low impact and good for toning . I did the weight machines and I did toning classes using the excercise ball and light dumbell weights (3 pounds), some yoga and pilates.
I plateaued about 5-10 pounds above my pre dex weight and could not loose it, but then found out my thyroid was under active, so I started taking synthyroid and i felt better and was able to drop the last few pounds.
Of Course diet is also important. For me I eat pretty healthy, but my sister recomended I start doing a calorie counting program where you type in what you eat and it tells you how many calores and the nutritional breakdown. I need to keep under 1800 calories, which is not that much relatively speaking. I made some diet changes such as cutting out cream in my coffee (300 calories each cup!) and smaller portions, and am maintaining my pre cancer weight.
So its not easy to losse weight, but it is possible, it just takes a lot of focused effort
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lys2012 - Name: Alyssa
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010, Toronto, Canada
- Age at diagnosis: 32
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
Hi Lynia,
I am female and have gained 30 lbs since April. Only taking 20 mg dex once a week.
I am female and have gained 30 lbs since April. Only taking 20 mg dex once a week.
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concerned
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
I gained 8 lbs since starting dex 18 months ago. I've always been faithful with exercise and have always eaten healthy. I've upped my exercise, yoga, cardio and weight training and now do 14 hours per week . Had I not done that, I would have gained more.
I continue to eat healthy and in moderation and, thankfully, I've leveled off. I'd love to lose it but, if that's the cost of staying healthy, then I'm ok .
I continue to eat healthy and in moderation and, thankfully, I've leveled off. I'd love to lose it but, if that's the cost of staying healthy, then I'm ok .
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torimooney - Name: tori
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: apr 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
We have the medicine dex, and get weight or have a moon face for long term of treatment.
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Anonymous
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
Dear Lynda,
Weight gain on steroids can be a significant problem. The posts you have received are very helpful. I would look into an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), especially if you are also on lenalidomide (Revlimid); lenalidomide can be associated with hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain.
If the thyroid function is normal and you have made appropriate adjustments to caloric intake and physical activity, and weight gain still remains problematic, you may need to discuss adjusting the dose of dexamethasone with your oncologist.
Good luck!
Pete V.
Weight gain on steroids can be a significant problem. The posts you have received are very helpful. I would look into an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), especially if you are also on lenalidomide (Revlimid); lenalidomide can be associated with hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain.
If the thyroid function is normal and you have made appropriate adjustments to caloric intake and physical activity, and weight gain still remains problematic, you may need to discuss adjusting the dose of dexamethasone with your oncologist.
Good luck!
Pete V.
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Dr. Peter Voorhees - Name: Peter Voorhees, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
OMG!! 30 pounds in 17 weeks. I know I didn't make the best food choices or exercise but never before have I gained weight like this. Crazy. I'm done with my CyBorD treatments now. Pretty sure the weight will not magically dissappear as easy as it appeared. I was not tiny to begin with. Just another joy for us to deal with I guess. I must get serious about better eating and some exercise. Good luck all.
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kjpoppit - Name: Kim Nelson
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept. 19th, 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
Wow, I could repeat exactly what one earlier poster said, gaining 30 lbs since April. I am only on 20 mg dex once a week.
I used to weigh 134 most of my life. When I quit smoking in 1988, I gained about 20 lbs. And then this. Even though I used to be 5.9, probably 5.7 now, I feel chunky and mostly I am worried about my bone structure 'holding up' to this extra weight. I probably have another 6 to 8 months to go on Revlimid 15 mg and dexamethasone.
Kate
I used to weigh 134 most of my life. When I quit smoking in 1988, I gained about 20 lbs. And then this. Even though I used to be 5.9, probably 5.7 now, I feel chunky and mostly I am worried about my bone structure 'holding up' to this extra weight. I probably have another 6 to 8 months to go on Revlimid 15 mg and dexamethasone.
Kate
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Kate - Name: Kate
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Dec. 2012
Re: Weight gain on dexamethasone (Decadron)
I have been on dexamethasone since December because the Revlimid was driving down my white blood cell count. Actually it worked. My white count is up, and my levels have remained the same. However, my weight has gone up dramatically. I need exercise, and diet help.
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