Meloxicam Side Effects: Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain?

Meloxicam, known by the brand name Mobic, belongs to a class known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) indicated in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, namely pain and inflammation.

Meloxicam Side Effects include various reactions ranging from mild to severe. Patients experience headaches, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and dizziness as common reactions. The drug also causes more serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, liver damage, and cardiovascular problems in some individuals. Long-term usage increases risks of ulcers, kidney failure, and heart attacks. The medication affects different body systems simultaneously, with gastrointestinal symptoms appearing most frequently. Patients notice these symptoms shortly after beginning treatment, with severity depending on dosage and individual health factors.

Yes, Meloxicam causes weight gain in some patients. The weight gain results primarily from fluid retention in the body, which causes visible swelling and increased overall weight. This side effect indicates a serious adverse reaction requiring immediate medical attention. The medication affects the body’s fluid balance through its impact on kidney function. Patients taking Meloxicam notice unexpected weight increases without dietary or lifestyle changes. Medical professionals consider sudden weight gain while using this medication as a warning sign that warrants discontinuation or dosage adjustment. Regular weight monitoring helps identify this potential problem early.

Table Of Contents:

• What Are the Common Adverse Effects of this Drug?
• What Are the Effects of Long-Term Use?
• Can this Medication Cause Weight Gain?
• Can it Cause an Increase in Blood Pressure?
• Is Mobic Safe to Use in Pregnancy?
• What Are the Warnings on this Medication?
• How Can the Negative Effects Be Minimized?

It is strictly a prescription medication due to the risk of abuse and severe Mobic side effects. As a result, the drug should only be used when prescribed and in line with the prescribing information.

So, what severe reactions can it cause? Does Meloxicam cause weight gain? What are some warnings users should know? Find out here.

Common Mobic Side Effects

Mobic works by blocking the production of enzymes that cause joint inflammation and pain in arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in tablets and oral suspension. But the mechanism of action is also associated with specific negative symptoms.

Meloxicam side effects include some mild and common ones, as well as severe reactions that need immediate attention from a doctor.

Some of the Common Meloxicam Side Effects Are Listed Below:

• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas in the digestive tract
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Nasal or throat congestion

A multicenter study extending over twelve weeks found that anywhere between 5.5% to 8.3% of patients on either 7.5 mg or 15 mg complained of a Meloxicam headache. It is one of the most common Meloxicam side effects that occur. However, a Meloxicam headache generally has no significant risk to the health.

Besides the common Mobic side effects, several severe adverse reactions can occur. Most of them occur very rarely and in less than 2% of patients, though their incidence is increased when the substance is abused. Severe GI effects were seen in just 1.7% of patients.

If any of these severe Mobic side effects occur, the drug should be stopped, and the individual should present at the hospital or contact their medical doctor immediately.

Some of the Other Serious Side Effects of Meloxicam Tablets Are:

• Bloody stools
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Fluid retention in the body resulting in swelling
• Dark vomit
• Decreased urination
• Skin rash or bruising

What Are the Adverse Reactions of Long-Term Use of Mobic?

Mobic is an NSAID, and with long-term use to manage chronic pain, such drugs are generally associated with a cluster of similar side effects. They include the risk of inducing ulcers, GI bleeding, kidney failure, and heart attacks. They can also worsen pre-existing heart failure and hypertension when used chronically. These are typically included among Meloxicam warnings on the prescribing information that comes with the medication.

Some studies have shown links between chronic NSAID use and the development of psychosis and cognitive impairment.

The Following Are Some of the Chronic Health Effects That Mobic Can Cause:

• Liver damage
• GI perforation
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Stroke
• Heart attack

Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain or Loss?

Many who use this medication may notice changes in their weight. Weight gain and weight loss are both seen with its use, though only rarely. It is a side effect documented in less than 2% of those who use Mobic. Weight loss is not a direct effect of the drug; instead, it results from the loss of appetite and nausea that may occur. There is, however, a direct link between weight gain and the use of this drug.

How Does Meloxicam Cause Weight Gain?

Unexpected weight gain while taking Mobic may be caused by the retention of fluid in the body. It results in swelling of the body and increased weight. If weight gain happens, it must be checked by a doctor immediately because Meloxicam warnings include unexpected weight gain as a severe adverse reaction of the drug.

Does Meloxicam Raise Blood Pressure?

Mobic and high blood pressure (hypertension) are associated with each other as another severe adverse reaction of Mobic 159 pill. When taking this drug, hypertension can increase the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest. These risks are increased when this pill is used for long durations or taken in high doses. Therefore, patients should monitor their intake of Meloxicam and check blood pressure regularly to ensure that it is not raised. In the case of hypertension, they should consult their doctor without any delay.

Meloxicam Side Effects in Pregnancy

FDA has put Mobic in the D pregnancy category. According to the FDA prescribing information for Mobic (meloxicam), the medication should generally be avoided during pregnancy, particularly during the later stages, due to the risk of fetal harm and complications involving the fetal cardiovascular system. Additionally, MedlinePlus advises pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before using meloxicam, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, because NSAIDs may cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, it is not advised to be used by breastfeeding women without medical supervision.

Meloxicam drug interactions to avoid, especially in pregnancy, include several blood-pressure reducing drugs, aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, and blood-thinning drugs.

Does Meloxicam Thin Blood?

Yes, it does to some extent. When used with other blood-thinning drugs, it can cause bleeding, which may even be fatal. Mobic interaction with tramadol should also be considered in such situations. There are no specific studies that show whether Mobic is passed on in breast milk or not. Therefore, the drug should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers.

Meloxicam Warnings

There are some significant effects that Mobic can have on the health, and these are included among Meloxicam warnings in the drug’s prescribing information. They are not absolute contraindications, but it is vital for those who use the medication to be aware of these adverse health effects, particularly in people who have certain pre-existing conditions.

These Warnings Include the Following:

• The drug can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or contribute to the development or worsening of stomach ulcers.
• There can be an increase in the levels of liver enzymes, and in some cases, it can result in liver failure.
• Cardiovascular effects can include heart attacks, the formation of blood clots, and stroke. These can be fatal.
• Fluid retention, also known as edema, which manifests as swelling of the body, typically starting from the feet.
• It can cause kidney failure and damage.
• In the skin, Mobic use can cause severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and exfoliative dermatitis.

Patients with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, and liver failure, should avoid using Mobic. Alternatively, they should provide all previous health information to their medical doctor, who will then use that information to choose pain relief medication.

Don’t Take Mobic With Other NSAIDs

Can a patient take ibuprofen with Meloxicam? Since ibuprofen is also an NSAID, patients should not use it with Mobic without consultation from a doctor. Both of them act as blood thinners. When used together, they increase the chances of internal bleeding and renal toxicity.

Other NSAIDs like Celebrex may be used instead to avoid the severe adverse reactions of Mobic. However, when considering Mobic vs. Celebrex, Celebrex should not be used by patients with heart disease.

How to Minimize Meloxicam Adverse Effects?

Mobic is an NSAID drug used to treat pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of joints caused by arthritis and other related conditions. Side effects of Meloxicam in humans span a wide range of problems that could arise while taking this medicine. Therefore, whenever a medical doctor prescribes the medication, Mobic adverse reactions are weighed to ensure that the benefits outnumber the negative reactions.

There are some steps that one might take to minimize the adverse effects of this drug.

These Steps Include the Following:

• Provide your doctor with all information on chronic health conditions, drugs currently being used, drug allergies, and medical history
• Any side effects, regardless of how mild, should be noted and discussed with your medical doctor
• The medication should only be used exactly as prescribed
• Taking this medicine after a meal also reduces the chances of a stomach ulcer or stomach irritation
• To reduce the less severe gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, gas, or bloating, patients should take the medication on a full stomach
• In the case of adverse reactions which are severe or that do not leave, discontinuing the drug should be considered

If adverse effects of Mobic become severe or abuse to this medication has been developed, professional addiction treatment is the right step to take. Meloxicam withdrawal symptoms are not common, and if present, are usually not severe. However, stopping the drug can cause the pain to come back. This will require looking for Meloxicam alternative medications that should be discussed with the doctor.

Sources Cited

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6. Meloxicam: A Selective COX-2 Inhibitor Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. PubMed.
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8. Meloxicam (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic.