Inhaled steroids

[ozziesheila]

I had been on Pulmicort for 6 years and had gained 40lbs, I have changed to Asmanex but still do not seem to be able to loose weight.  I am 53 years old and find this very frustrating as I have not had a weight problem prior, and if I did gain a few pounds, did not have trouble loosing what was gained.  Can you give me any suggestions on how to loose, I have cut back drastically and gain not loose..do I need to go off of these products and just take the Zyrtec D and my albuterol when needed?

Please give me some guidelines...

[National Jewish Health]

It is rare for a person to gain weight, as a side effect of inhaled steroids, even when used in a high dose.  This would almost certainly be the case if you have experienced none of the other side effects of steroid therapy.  You should not completely stop using the inhaled steroid, certainly not without discussing this with your doctor.  Doing so would place you at risk for sub-optimum asthma control.  Your doctor might appropriately recommend a step-down in the dose of your Asmanex® Twisthaler® 220 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder).

In the meantime, you should investigate other causes for your weight gain.