“There are no medications and supplements specifically for lipedema. Instead, recommendations regarding use of medications and supplements for the treatment of lipedema should focus on reducing tissue inflammation, fibrosis, swelling, pain, and pharmacologic weight loss management for those who are overweight or have obesity. Supplements used for lipedema are, in part, based on literature for lymphedema and venous disease, both complications of lipedema. Some medications exacerbate symptoms in lipedema and should be avoided.”
From the paper Subcutaneous adipose tissue diseases: Dercum disease, lipedema, familial multiple lipomatosis, and Madelung disease
Which medications to avoid?
Beta blockers are used in the treatment of cardiac health but can cause fluid retention.
Calcium channel blockers are used in the treatment of hypertension but can cause fluid retention.
Clonidine is used in the treatment of hypertension but can cause fluid retention.
Furosemide is used in the treatment of edema but concentrates proteins in interstitial organs, eventually halting fluid flux. Aldactone and hydrochlorothiazide have less adverse effects in women with lipedema.
Gabapentin is used for pain control but can cause fluid retention.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain control but can cause fluid retention.
Oral corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation but can weaken tissue and cause fluid retention and rebound inflammation. Oral corticosteroids should be used when medically necessary. Nasal or inhaled corticosteroids have less effect on lipedema tissue.
Sex hormones are used for hormone replacement but can cause fluid retention and are implicated to effect the development of lipedema.
Thiazolidinediones are used in the treatment of diabetes but can cause increases in subcutaneous fat tissue and fluid retention.