Weight gain with Remicade?
Hi Everyone,
It has been a month since my first Remicade infusion. I have gained 12 lbs! My face, arms, legs and stomach are bloated🙁. Anyone have similar experience? I’m not sure how well this medication is going to work for me in the long run but I’m not ok with the unwanted Weight gain side affect! Anyone else have a similar reaction?
Would you consider it grounds for changing medication?
Thanks!
Hi,
!
I'm so sorry you're dealing with bloating and weight gain. That's a lot of weight to gain in a short time; are you sure you are not retaining fluids?
Do you feel like Remicade is helping your RA symptoms? It's a bit early for it to have reached full efficacy, but I thought I would ask.
I would definitely talk to your doctor about the weight gain, if you haven't done so already. While a number of digestive issues (constipation, nausea, belching, heartburn, etc) are possible side effects of remicade, rapid weight gain is not. Here's a pretty comprehensive list of possible side effects -- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/infliximab-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20068387. If you are experiencing some of the more serious side effects listed (like fever, trouble breathing, etc) please let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Only you can decide whether to continue or stop a medication, so I hope you are able to make the choice that is best for you.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Thanks Erin! I will speak to my doctor next Friday when I see her. It definitely feels like fluid retention. Not sure if that is a side effect of Remicade. I really appreciate your response!
, good! Feel free to let us know how that appointment goes (only if you feel comfortable doing so).
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
I have to agree with Erin, 12 pounds in a month is a pretty remarkable gain if you are eating the same, it's definitely something to check in with your doctor about. The only thing I've had that made me gain weight like that was the fluid retention that I got when taking cortisone aka prednisone. Time to check in with the doc for sure! Let us know what they say. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Will do 👍. Thanks Daniel!
