Solu-Medrol side effects?

[jenandherboys]

I had my first experience with Solu-Medrol infusion in early August. My relapse had just started and was worsening daily-right before I was due to start training for my new job!

The immediate side-effects were quite obvious and well documented. I'm having less success finding out about long-term side-effects-in particular, rapid weight gain. I noticed the bloating quite early in my treatment, especially in my face and abdomen.

My concern is that the bloated abdomen has been joined by swollen ankles, calves, hands, wrists and breasts. The most worrysome is the abdominal bloating-I rarely gain much weight in my abdomen; it's usually in the butt/thighs/hips area! LOL!! Lately I've noticed that my clothes that don't fit anymore are too tight in the waist, when I always have had trouble fitting the hips and legs and the waist is usually too big.

My thought is that I'm retaining a lot of fluids-also looked into the insulin resistance angle and had some bloodwork done, but my HbA1c is 5.3, which is quite good.

Have any of you experienced a long-term side effect from Solu-Medrol infusions? - especially edema?

If this sounds familiar, please let me know about your experience following the infusions. Also, if anyone has experienced problems with edema for any other reason, I would be happy to hear any advice you may have for me.

I figured that you guys are the "real experts" when it comes to all these fun details, so who better to look to for advice/information!

Thanks so much!

[anon07072023]

Well, then, good luck. I hope they find what's causing it all and can get all of that extra fluid moving out of there soon.

[jenandherboys]

I also had problems with palpitations and jumps in my heart rate and BP that would stay elevated despite any attempt to "relax" and slow down. To keep both in check, I've been taking propranolol for the last few months, and am now trying to taper off to see how I do.

Thanks for the advice about checking kidneys, too. I'll ask about that when I see my Dr - hopefully that will be soon!

I have discussed this with my neuro as of last week-he's the one who agreed to order the labs to check my blood sugar. I've also asked my primary Dr's RN if I should be seen, but she referred me back to my neuro in case there was something related to my MS that could be responsible. If he decides my primary is more appropriate, then I'll make an appt with him...

Whether this is due to the Solu-Medrol or not, I am retaining a LOT of fluid and can begin to qualify my swollen legs/ankles as pitting edema. I feel extremely bloated and am experiencing reflux and some shortness of breath. No matter what the cause, or what any nurse may tell me-I'll be making an appointment with ONE of my doctors VERY SOON....

Thanks again for your reply!

Be Well,
Jen

[anon07072023]

Hi Jen,

We haven't seen you on here in a while, I hope all is well with you - besides your post of course.

I've never had this problem with Solu-Medrol.  In fact, I'm kind of the opposite - I lost 5 lbs in about 4 days. I think one of the reasons is because it always makes my heart go about 120 bpm each time that I'm on it.

Besides the HbA1c that checks for blood sugar/diabetes, have you also considered any other kidney tests or having your heart looked at for your symptoms?  Have you discussed it with your doctor - the long term effects that you're having?

Good luck,
Kelly