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Has Anyone Experienced Weight Gain With Being On The RA Medication?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Saylorsburg, PA
August 21, 2018
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing weight gain while on rheumatoid arthritis medications, with prednisone being the most frequently... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing weight gain while on rheumatoid arthritis medications, with prednisone being the most frequently cited culprit and weight increases ranging from a few pounds to over 40 pounds despite efforts to eat healthy portions. Several members expressed frustration that doctors often deny weight gain as a side effect, leaving many feeling stuck between the relief their medications provide and the physical toll of added weight. One member shared that water-based arthritis exercise classes at the YMCA, approved by the Arthritis Foundation, have been helpful for maintaining muscle mass and balance while being gentle on the joints.

A myRAteam Member

Yes, before i started on actemra i was quite poorly with my ra and lost about 3 stone. Ive been on actemra for approx 3yrs now and have put it all back on plus another 3 stone. All doctors i ask say weight gain isnt a side effect, but i think it is. I try and eat small portions of healthy food but each time i weigh myself my weight has increased. I dont want to stop the drug and go back to being as poorly as before but this increased weight is becoming disabling itself.

August 22, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have to exercise to help keep the weight off! I take an arthritis water exercise class at my local YMCA! Water is much easier on the joints! I cannot exercise on dry land at all these days! I take it Monday, Wednesday and Friday! The class is approved by the national arthritis foundation so it’s gear for people who live with chronic pain! It’s helped me so much especially with balance anD also to maintain good muscle mass!

August 23, 2018
A myRAteam Member

If you are talking about "Prednisone" you can gain real fast. (Take a pill gain a pound)

August 21, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Yes, especially with all the yucky prednisone! hate it.

August 21, 2018
myRAteam

Yes, many people have experienced weight gain while on RA medications. Here are some insights from the knowledge base:

- Common Medications and Weight Gain
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Studies show weight gain is common after six months of treatment with certain DMARDs, including methotrexate and Show Full Answer

Yes, many people have experienced weight gain while on RA medications. Here are some insights from the knowledge base:

- Common Medications and Weight Gain:
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Studies show weight gain is common after six months of treatment with certain DMARDs, including methotrexate and TNF inhibitors.
- Steroids: Known to cause weight gain.
- Biologics: Some members reported weight gain with biologics like etanercept and Remicade.

- Member Experiences:
- One member mentioned gaining weight despite eating healthily and exercising.
- Another member accepted the weight gain as part of successful RA treatment, feeling better overall despite the extra pounds.

- Managing Weight Gain:
- Monitoring weight and discussing changes with a doctor.
- Considering adjustments in medication or dosage.
- Seeking advice from a dietitian or physical therapist.

For more detailed personal experiences and advice, you can visit the myRAteam website.

July 20, 2024

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