Expert: Mary E Scott, RPh, CGP - 5/4/2007

Question
I am 18 years old, about 5ft 8in tall 135 lbs am I have been seeing a specialist for arthritis that I have in all of my joints. I have been through dozens of different that did not help at all. I am now starting to take Piroxicam 20 MG capsule MYL substituted for Feledene. I was reading the side affects and it said it could cause rapid or unexplained weight gain. I just want to know why this is possible and if there are any interactions that may contribute to the weight gain? Also I want to know if it is ok that I am taking Whey protein powder everyday?Thanks for your help.

Answer
HI,Nate,
Feldene is a very good medication for pain and inflammation and has been around for years. It is pretty safe to take, on the whole. Rapid and unexplained weight gain is a rare side-effect. Many residents in the nursing facilities I visit that are on Feldene haven't experienced this. There is a risk of water weight gain because NSAIDs cause you to retain sodium so you may want to watch out for that. And make sure you take Feldene with food or milk to protect your stomach from irritation. Hope this helps, Mary