Meloxicam is a prescription drug that’s used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
It may also be given to relieve pain associated with juvenile arthritis in kids who are at least 2 years old.
Meloxicam is in a class of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping your body from making a substance that causes inflammation and pain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved meloxicam in 2000.
It’s marketed under different brand names, and each brand is used to treat certain ages and populations of people.
uses
What is Meloxicam (Mobic) used for?
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Collagen Vascular Disease
- Autoimmune Disorder
- Felty's Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Lung
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Meloxicam (Mobic)?
Meloxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Meloxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
Meloxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using meloxicam, especially in older adults.
You should not use meloxicam if you are allergic to it, or if you ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- ulcers or stomach bleeding;
- asthma;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease; or
- fluid retention.
If you are pregnant, you should not take meloxicam unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Meloxicam may cause a delay in ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). You should not take meloxicam if you are undergoing fertility treatment, or are otherwise trying to get pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Meloxicam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Meloxicam (Mobic)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Meloxicam (Mobic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
Stop using meloxicam and call your doctor at once if you have:
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet; or
- kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
- diarrhea, constipation, gas;
- dizziness; or
- cold symptoms, flu symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Meloxicam (Mobic) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, you should not take meloxicam unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Meloxicam may cause a delay in ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). You should not take meloxicam if you are undergoing fertility treatment, or are otherwise trying to get pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Meloxicam (Mobic)?
Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking meloxicam, unless your doctor tells you to.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to meloxicam (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Meloxicam (Mobic)?
Use Meloxicam (Mobic) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.
Meloxicam oral is taken by mouth.
Meloxicam injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the medicine your doctor prescribes.
Meloxicam doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Store meloxicam oral suspension, tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Meloxicam (Mobic)?
What to Expect
The peak concentrations of meloxicam occur within two hours for capsules and four to five hours for tablets. Because the drug appears to be recycled in the liver, another peak takes place at eight hours for capsules and 12 to 14 hours for tablets, after the initial dose.
It could take up to two weeks for you to feel the full benefits of this medicine. Use it regularly, as your doctor prescribes.
If meloxicam doesn’t work for you, there may be other alternatives to ease your pain.
Additional Dosage Information
Using meloxicam long-term can cause serious side effects.
Your doctor will probably want to start you on the lowest dose possible.
The dosage will depend on the severity of your medical condition, your age, your weight, and other factors.
It’s important that you only use the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribes. Certain brands work differently. Check your prescription label each time to make sure you’ve been given the correct product.
Secondary Uses
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe meloxicam for conditions that it’s not approved to treat. This is known as “off-label” use.
Meloxicam may be prescribed for the following:
- General pain
- Fever
- Menstrual cramp pain
- Gout
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