AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
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 Nate
I think the weight gain you describe would be due to fluid retention, a rare but serious side effect in some patients. It would not be weight gain similar to that associated with over-eating.
Were someone to develop fluid retention the symptoms are likely to be breathing difficulties (due to fluid on the lungs) and oedema particularly in the ankles and lower limbs. This is important because it can result in sudden onset of heart failure because it cannot work effectively against the resistance of the fluid load andthe weight it creates.
As this is a rare side effect of piroxicam (and potentially other anti-inflammatory drugs) it is unlikely to be affected or increased by other drugs or the protein suppliment. If you have any degree of heart or kidney problems there is a risk, but your doctor should have excluded these.
