Indications
- Meloxicam is a medication used to treat arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- If you have chronic arthritis, talk to your doctor about other treatment options besides medication.
Dosage and administration
- Take meloxicam exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information leaflet from your pharmacist each time you get a refill.
- Meloxicam usually comes as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or disintegrating tablet. Follow specific instructions for each form (with or without food, water amount, etc.).
- Take meloxicam once daily at the same time each day.
- It may take up to two weeks to feel the full benefit of meloxicam.
Side effects
- Meloxicam may cause stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
- Tell your doctor if any side effects are bothersome or do not go away.
- Get medical help right away for:
- Severe headache
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Mood changes
- Signs of kidney problems (change in urine amount)
- Unexplained stiff neck
- Heart failure symptoms (swelling, tiredness, weight gain)
- Liver damage symptoms (persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Allergic reaction symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing).
Precautions
- Talk to your doctor before taking meloxicam if you have allergies to it, aspirin, other NSAIDs, or any other medications.
- Mention any medical history to your doctor, especially asthma, liver problems, stomach/intestinal issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, blood problems, or growths in your nose.
- Meloxicam can cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel safe. Alcohol and marijuana can worsen dizziness, so limit their use.
- This medication may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol, tobacco, and discuss these risks with your doctor.
- Meloxicam can make you more sensitive to the sun. Protect yourself with sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all medications you take before any surgery.
- Older adults may have a higher risk of side effects.
- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor before taking meloxicam.
- It is unknown if meloxicam passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.