Meloxicam belongs to the family of medications known as COX-2 inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work by blocking a response to injury in the body that leads to inflammation and pain.

Meloxicam is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (in adults) and osteoarthritis. It helps with these conditions by relieving pain and reducing swelling and inflammation.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Rheumatoid arthritis: The usual recommended dose is 15 mg once daily. For some people who may respond well to the medication, their doctor can reduce the dose to 7.5 mg once daily, according to need.

Osteoarthritis: The usual recommended dose is 7.5 mg once daily. Some people may benefit from receiving up to 15 mg once daily, and the dose can be increased by their doctor according to need.

This medication may be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is the following day before you remember it, do not take the missed dose but go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

7.5 mg
Each yellow, circular, flat, bevelled uncoated tablet, printed "7.5" over "M" on the scored side and the "P" logo on the other side, contains meloxicam 7.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium citrate.

15 mg
Each yellow, circular, flat, bevelled uncoated tablet, printed "15" over "M" on the scored side and the "P" logo on the other side, contains meloxicam 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium citrate.

Meloxicam should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to meloxicam or any of the inactive ingredients
• has experienced asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking ASA or other NSAIDs
• has ulcer disease or stomach bleeding

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

More common
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn

Less common or rare
• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• confusion
• constipation
• drowsiness
• nausea

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• swelling in legs or around ankles

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

Rare
• bloody or black, tarry stools or dark urine
• bloody vomit with material that looks like coffee grounds
• fainting
• hives
• puffiness or swelling around the eyes, lips, or tongue
• seizures
• severe stomach pain
• shortness of breath
• tightness in chest
• wheezing or difficulty breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Heart attack and stroke: The use of COX-2 inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including meloxicam, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk is increased with higher total daily doses and taking the medication over long periods of time. If you have a history of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medication. Ask your doctor about all available treatment options that may be right for you.

History of stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding: If you have had a stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding, be sure to tell your doctor as meloxicam (or any NSAID) should then be used with extreme caution.

Kidney or liver disease: Be sure that any doctor prescribing this medication knows of any existing kidney or liver disease as meloxicam could cause worsening of these conditions.

Pregnancy: Meloxicam should be avoided in late pregnancy because it may cause a defect in the major blood vessels of the baby's heart.

Breast-feeding: Studies on the use of meloxicam by nursing women have not been done. The use of meloxicam while breast-feeding should be avoided because of the possibility of serious side effects in the infant.

The following medications may affect how meloxicam works:

• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• cholestyramine

Meloxicam may affect how the following medications work:

• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril, captopril, quinapril)
• furosemide
• lithium
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.