Brand names: Mobic®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Meloxicam tablets (below)
- Meloxicam Oral suspension
- Meloxicam oral suspension
- Meloxicam Oral tablet
- Español:
- Tabletas de meloxicam
- Meloxicam, Suspensión oral
- Suspensión oral de meloxicam
- Meloxicam, Tableta oral
Meloxicam tablets
What are meloxicam tablets?
MELOXICAM (Mobic®) is used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis to reduce pain and inflammation. Meloxicam has also been used to treat mild to moderate pain due to other conditions. Generic meloxicam is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
• cigarette smoker
• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
• dental disease
• diabetes
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• heart disease or circulation problems such as heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach or duodenal ulcers
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, meloxicam, piroxicam, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take meloxicam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. If meloxicam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with meloxicam?
• alcohol
• alendronate
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cidofovir
• cyclosporine
• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)
• entecavir
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that affect platelets
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'
• methotrexate
• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
• pemetrexed
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking meloxicam?
Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues; do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your stomach, take meloxicam with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. You may also take this medicine with food to decrease stomach upset. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
Meloxicam cannot take the place of aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke. If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine. If you are currently taking aspirin for this purpose, you should not discontinue taking aspirin without checking with your prescriber or health care professional.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from meloxicam.
It is especially important not to use meloxicam during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Meloxicam may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Avoid taking other prescription or over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) while taking meloxicam. Side effects including stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or serious side effects such as ulcers are more likely if meloxicam is given with other NSAIDs. Many non-prescription products contain NSAIDs; closely read labels before taking any medicines with meloxicam.
What side effects may I notice from taking meloxicam?
Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Patients should seek immediate emergency help in the case of a serious allergic reaction.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
• nausea or vomiting
• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of feet or ankles
• unexplained weight gain or edema
• yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• gas or heartburn
• minor upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
