Does Dulera cause weight gain?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Does Dulera cause weight gain?
Dulera may or may not cause weight gain as a side effect. Although weight gain is not listed as a side effect of this medication, some people may still gain a few pounds. However, this weight gain is not commonly reported.
Dulera contains corticosteroids in it, which are known for causing weight gain. However, this inhaler has a low dose of steroids, lower enough not to affect your weight (1,2). If you’re gaining weight and think Dulera is responsible for it, consult your healthcare provider.
Only your doctor can help determine the exact cause of your weight gain and if it’s safe for you to continue using Dulera or not. Meanwhile, you should try to eliminate other factors of weight gain that are in your control, like poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.
What side effects are common with Dulera?
Dulera, although it does not cause weight gain, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild to severe. (3)
Common side effects of Dulera may include:
- Headache
- Throat irritation
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Back pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash or hives
- Muscle pain or cramps
Rare but more serious side effects of Dulera may include:
- Allergic reactions: This can include severe skin reactions, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
- Worsening of asthma symptoms: Dulera is used for the treatment of asthma, but in some cases, it may cause a worsening of symptoms such as increased wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Adrenal suppression: Long-term use of high doses of corticosteroids like those in Dulera can potentially affect the functioning of the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal suppression.
- Pneumonia: There have been reports of an increased risk of pneumonia in patients using inhaled corticosteroids.
- Osteoporosis: Prolonged use of high doses of corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones.
What factors can contribute to weight gain while taking Dulera?
While weight gain is not a common side effect of Dulera, there are a few factors that can contribute to weight changes in some individuals. These factors can include:
Fluid retention
Some people may experience fluid retention, which can lead to temporary weight gain. It is important to monitor your fluid intake and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Increased appetite
Certain medications can affect appetite, and if you find yourself eating more while taking Dulera, it may contribute to weight gain. It’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while managing your respiratory condition. (4)
Sedentary lifestyle
If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance due to your respiratory condition, it may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain. (4)
Corticosteroid effects
Dulera contains a corticosteroid (mometasone), which, when used in higher doses or for extended periods, can potentially affect metabolism and lead to weight gain. However, the dose of corticosteroid in Dulera is relatively low compared to other medications.
What to do if you are gaining weight while taking Dulera?
If you have concerns about weight gain while taking Dulera, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can assess if the weight gain is related to Dulera or other factors.
It is also important to review your eating habits and physical activity levels. Ensure that you are maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help manage weight.
If weight gain is a significant concern and other options are available, your healthcare provider may explore alternative medications for your condition.
If weight management becomes challenging, consider seeking support from a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional with expertise in weight management.
Remember, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of weight gain and develop a personalized plan to address it.
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References
1.-
Mometasone/Formoterol (Dulera) for asthma. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Oct 18;52(1349):83-4. Erratum in: Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Nov 15;52(1351):92. PMID: 21045758. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21045758/
2.-
Drugs for asthma. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Dec 14;62(1613):193-200. PMID: 33446622. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33446622/
3.-
National Library of Medicine. Formoterol oral inhalation: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022 [cited 2023 Mar 7]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602023.html
4.-
Piaggi P. Metabolic Determinants of Weight Gain in Humans. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 May;27(5):691-699. doi: 10.1002/oby.22456. PMID: 31012296; PMCID: PMC6481299. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31012296/
