Meloxicam

What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam (also called Mobic^®) is used to treat joint pain. This medicine is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam is available as a 7.5 mg or 15 mg tablet that is taken by mouth.

How to take meloxicam

• Meloxicam is usually taken one time a day.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Missed doses:
  • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Possible side effects of meloxicam

Most common:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Flu-like symptoms

If you have any of these side effects, tell the doctor right away:         

• Allergic reaction with the following symptoms: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or black, tarry stools
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Feeling numb or weak on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse. In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for meloxicam

• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
  • Heart attack or stroke
• Do not use aspirin or any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is OK.
• Some medicines can affect how meloxicam works. Tell your doctor if you are also taking any of the following:
  • Cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)