Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Only use this medicine if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Meloxicam is a drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Meloxicam is used to relieve moderate to severe pain, joint stiffness, and swelling (inflammation). It is a drug of choice for treating childhood joint disease.

Your healthcare provider may recommend this drug as a safe alternative to other pain relievers.

Meloxicam may worsen asthma, stomach ulcers, and heart diseases. If you must take meloxicam, inform your healthcare provider about your condition before you use it.

• Meloxicam is available in the form of tablets and injections.
• It comes as 7.5mg and 15mg tablets that should be taken by mouth once a day after eating a meal. The highest daily dose is 15mg.
• Swallow the whole tablet. Do not chew or crush the tablets.
• It also comes in the form of an injection into the veins. Your healthcare provider will administer the injection to you.
• Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine.
• If you have a stomach ulcer, take your antacids when using this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider for a replacement medicine if that is possible.
• If you miss a dose, use it when you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you use over the amount prescribed.

Side-effects that you may experience when you use this medicine include:

• Stomach pain.
• Watery stools.
• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Hard stools.
• Feeling like vomiting.
• Skin rash, if you are allergic to this medicine.

In more severe cases, you may experience:

• Stomach ulcers and bleeding.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain or heart attack.

Report any other side-effects you may experience to your healthcare provider.

• Meloxicam should be used in children over two years of age or weighing over 60 kg.
• This medicine increases your risk of heart attack or stroke, with or without prior heart disease.
• It may worsen stomach ulcers but is considered a safer alternative to other commonly used NSAIDs. Inform your healthcare provider if you have active stomach ulcers before using this medicine.
• Meloxicam worsens asthma. If you are asthmatic, inform your healthcare provider before using this medicine.
• It may cause some kidney or liver problems when you use it for long periods.
• You may experience dizziness while using this medicine. Do not drive or operate any machinery when you use it.
• If you are to undergo surgery, do not use this medicine three days before the surgery. You may bleed a lot.
• Inform your healthcare provider of the other medicines you are taking, including herbal pills. It may cause you to bleed more if you use drugs like warfarin.
• Avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you must use it, inform your healthcare provider about it.
• If your healthcare provider prescribes meloxicam for long-term treatment, you may need to take blood tests regularly. Your healthcare provider will also monitor you for signs of stomach bleeding.