Table of Contents
Key Points
- Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s prescribed for pain relief from inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
- Meloxicam can have several side effects, including weight gain and fluid retention, but these side effects are rare.
- Research shows that weight gain is a rare side effect of meloxicam. Fluid retention is more common.
- Both fluid retention and weight gain from meloxicam can cause complications.
Medications have side effects, including common and generally well-tolerated medications like meloxicam. For some people, meloxicam can cause weight gain or other weight changes, either in actual weight gain or because of fluid retention.
What Is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a generic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available with a prescription as an oral tablet or capsule. It’s sold under the brand names Mobic and Anjeso. Both forms of meloxicam are used to treat osteoarthritis, but the oral tablet may also be used to treat pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).[1] Meloxicam may be used short—or long-term to treat pain.
Meloxicam Side Effects
Meloxicam is a generally safe and well-tolerated drug, but there can be side effects, like:[2]
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Respiratory infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Itching
- Rash
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Allergic reaction (hives, itching)
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain or weight loss
There is the risk of serious side effects, including:[3]
- Fluid retention (weight gain and swollen skin)
- Anemia (pale skin, shortness of breath, lightheadedness)
- High blood potassium (nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, heart palpitations)
- Severe skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Kidney damage (nausea and vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite)
- Liver damage (fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, pain in the upper right abdomen)
- High blood pressure
- Heart or digestive problems
- Severe allergic reaction
Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain?
Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain?Weight gain can occur as a side effect of meloxicam, but studies have shown it to be rare.[4] Though some people experience weight changes on meloxicam, this side effect is influenced by your health, individual metabolism, and lifestyle habits.
If you feel like you’re gaining weight from meloxicam or experiencing other weight changes, talk to your doctor. It may take time for your body to adjust to the medication, or you may need to change your diet and exercise routine to manage weight changes.
How Common Is Weight Gain with Meloxicam?
Gaining weight on meloxicam is a rare side effect. Less than 2% of the people taking meloxicam experience weight changes.[5] Fluid retention is a more common side effect that can cause weight gain, which affects 0.6% to 4.5% of people on the drug.[6]
Fluid retention (edema) is a serious concern, however. Without treatment, edema can cause complications like congestive heart failure – a risk that’s increased in people with existing heart problems. If you experience weight gain from fluid retention, bring it up with your doctor.
What Factors Affect Weight Changes with Meloxicam?
Weight changes as a side effect of meloxicam are affected by many factors, including:
- Changes in appetite that happen with meloxicam
- More activity or exercise from pain relief, which can lead to weight loss
- Metabolic changes from the drug itself, though this is not well understood
- Interactions between meloxicam and other medications that affect weight
- Individual differences in genetics, health, lifestyle, and diet
- Diet and lifestyle habits, including portion sizes, physical activity levels, and general fitness
Options for Weight Management on Meloxicam
If you’ve gained weight on meloxicam or you’re concerned about this side effect, here are some tips to prevent it:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay away from high-fat, sugary, or processed foods.
- Avoid overeating and manage your portion sizes.
- Exercise several days a week or daily.
- Try a new exercise routine.
- Drink copious amounts of water throughout the day.
- Get doctor’s exams regularly to monitor your health.
- Take meloxicam exactly as prescribed.
- Note any other side effects
If you’re experiencing weight gain or other unpleasant side effects on meloxicam, talk to your doctor about your options.
Monitor Side Effects with Meloxicam
Meloxicam has generally mild side effects, and weight gain is rare. However, staying at a healthy weight is crucial to your health, so talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing appetite changes, weight changes, or fluid retention while taking meloxicam and avoid mixing meloxicam with other NSAIDs. While meloxicam carries little risk of addiction when compared to opioids, if you or a loved one is abusing meloxicam, seek the help of a qualified addiction treatment program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding meloxicam.
OCEAN RECOVERY EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
The internet contains a vast amount of misinformation, but when it comes to your health only peer reviewed, research centered data matters. At Ocean Recovery, all content published throughout our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level clinician, and cross checked for medical accuracy. Our editorial process helps our readers trust that the information they are consuming is factual and based upon scientific data. Your health is our top priority, find out more about how we safeguard the integrity of information on our website. Read More About Our Process
