Joni, So far, the only med that I've found causes weight gain is Prednisone. I doubt if Advair would cause weight gain, unless you're retaining water. Do you face or ankles seem swollen? I took Advair for several years, until it was no longer strong enough for me, and I don't think that caused my weight gain. But the Pred will definitely do it.

My guess is that your sinus infection is playing a part in this, too. You may feel more of a need to eat with the antibiotics. 3 lbs really isn't much to worry about, unless it's water retention. Then I'd call the doc. Love ya, Sue

Advair is an inhaled steroid and does have a weight gain side effect, It is notorious for it, just the same as prenisone. (Unfortuantely)the literature that comes with Advair does list weight gain as one of its side effects. I have experienced weight gain from both. They are a darned if you do darned if you don't drug. We gotta love em, cus we need them...but gotta hate em for the weight stuff. My feet and ankles well also, but that is due to the CorPulmonale, (or right sided congestive heart failure that developed as a result of the COPD.) I have to take Lasix for that. Hey Sue, no offense for my contradictory post. I love ya! Love to one and all, from the land of I"M SICK!
(LOL...its not really too funny!)

I gotta go with JoAnn on this one, for I also understand that one of the side effects of Advair is weight gain. And yes, Predisone is notoroius for it.

It is very discouraging when you go to the doctor, he comments on your weight then puts you on medication that will have you gain weight! Catch-22!

I am also wondering about weight loss? Have you been able to lose? Has it stayed off?

It is my understanding with emphysema the opposite is true - one can lose weight.

Hope you feel better, JoAnn!

Hi again. I hav not had any luck losing weight at all. However, I went from working for thirty some years in food service...constantly moving, to now being disabled with a great deal of mobility problems. My metabolism died! I cannot walk to my bathroom and back without being extremely SOB, (by the way thanks Sassyme for the definition to SOB...LOL I thought it was a bad word before. LOL) so, that makes it challenging to say the least. I am on prednisone daily, so it is an uphill battle. One that I am losing! HaHa. If you come up with something...please...let me know!

PS thanks for all the well wishes. I really appreciate it! (I do feel somewhat whiney and pathetic. Kinda like I want my mommy to take care of me. Ha Ha!)
love to all!
JoAnn

iv put on 24lb since steriods , advair iv put on 2 pounds been on it 2 days , i dred to think what i will be after a month lol. we are all in the same boat with this one, dont feel bad about putting on the pounds and what you look like, its whats inside that maters. the only way out is to spend all the time on a diet. lots of fruit and veg, oh if only i could take my own advice.

hi im new on here so if i do anything wrong please let me know.since being told i have copd i have stopped smoking and am taking a steriod inhaler and have put on about 30lbs. what i do struggle with is cramp in my legs feet and hands.

Hi Davo! Don't worry about doing anything wrong. Post what you want, if you don't know something just ask. We all try to help and support each other. Regarding the cramping, I wonder if you could be low on potassium? Cramping is indicitive of low potassium levels. I am unaware of cramps as a side effect of steroid use, but it is possible I guess. Anyone else know anything about that?

Welcome to DS!

It is true cramping can be caused by low potassium levels. It is also possible it could be a reaction to your medication(s). Have you mentioned it to your doctor? I am sure he can guide you further.

And congratulations on not smoking, it is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself!

I have gained over 50 pounds and all of it seems to be in my upper body. From the waist up. I don't take advair because my throat and tongue swell. I just take spirvia and serevent with flovent ... I hate the weight gain!!! Always watched my weight and stayed no larger than a 10 ...As for everyone else and the cramps..i too have them and they are looking at me for MS...I honestly think we are going to find out we paid a cost in exchange for a med to help us breathe.

For myself, before all the meds, I weighed 105 lbs. I have gained over 70 lbs since diagnosed. The majority has been in my belly...like a buddha belly. Think I have even gained more since being on Advair, but too scared to get on the scales! LOL...

What is so discouraging is it seems impossible to take off. Metoblic study said I had to eat less that 1,100 calories a day to lose less than 1/2 lb. a week!!!

And the doctors? They comment on your weight then turn around and give you meds that put the weight on! Sigh...........

I cannot help but agree with you regarding all the side effects from the medications they give us to breath.

p.s.

Just chuckled to myself. Have to go to the dr.soon for a 6 minute walk test now that I have been on Spiriva and Advair to see how short of breath I get....not that I don't get short of breath with all the extra weight!

Oh well....

I weighed 105, when diagnosed and only use combivent and was going to ask one of you about my weight gain. I've gained twenty lbs, since june, when the DR., took out my left ovary. Anyone have any ideas, I'd like to hear them.

I've gained 8 lbs since Oct. My doc said that was good (better than losing weight) Im taking advair but i suspect my weight gain is from my "rocky road
diet"