Mobic (Meloxicam)

Description

Indications

Meloxicam is utilized for pain relief and to mitigate tenderness, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This medication is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the body’s production of a substance responsible for causing pain, fever, and inflammation.

Uses and Dosage

Administer this medication orally according to your doctor’s instructions, usually once daily. When taking the tablet or capsule form, drink a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Refrain from lying down for at least 10 minutes following tablet or capsule consumption.

When taking the liquid form, gently shake the bottle before each use. Utilize a special measuring device/spoon to accurately measure the dose. Avoid using a household spoon as it may result in an incorrect dose.

In the case of using a disintegrating tablet, do not remove the tablet from its packaging until ready to use. With dry hands, peel back the foil to cautiously remove the tablet. Refrain from pushing the tablet through the foil as it may cause damage. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. After the tablet has melted, it may be ingested with or without liquid.

If stomach discomfort arises while using this medication, consume it with food, milk, or an antacid. Dosage is dependent on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use the lowest effective dose and only for the prescribed duration. Do not consume more of this medication than prescribed as larger doses increase the likelihood of stomach ulcers/bleeding.

Meloxicam may be available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and disintegrating tablets. Do not switch between different forms without consulting your doctor.

It may take up to two weeks before experiencing the complete benefits of this medication. Use this medication regularly to obtain the most favorable results. Remember to take it at the same time each day.

Notify your doctor if your condition worsens.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• sore throat

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• fever
• blisters
• rash
• skin blisters or peeling
• hives
• swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• unexplained weight gain,
• swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs
• excessive tiredness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• pain in the right upper part of the stomach
• flu-like symptoms
• cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• back pain
• difficult or painful urination

Caution

Prior to taking meloxicam, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have an allergy to it, aspirin, or other NSAIDs, or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive components that can lead to allergic reactions or other issues.

Before using this medicine, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have asthma, liver disease, problems with your stomach/intestines/esophagus, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, blood disorders (such as anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), or growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

The use of NSAID medications, including meloxicam, can sometimes cause kidney problems. Dehydration, heart failure or kidney disease, being an older adult, or taking specific medications may increase your likelihood of having these issues. Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration, and immediately inform your doctor if you experience a change in urine volume or colour.

This medication may cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana may intensify dizziness. Do not operate machinery, drive, or perform any activity that requires attentiveness until you can do so safely.

This medicine may result in stomach bleeding. Regular use of alcohol and tobacco, particularly when combined with this medication, may heighten your chances of experiencing stomach bleeding. Reduce your intake of alcohol and tobacco.

The disintegrating tablet form of meloxicam may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that necessitates limiting/avoiding aspartame in your diet, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medication.

This medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Limit your time in the sun, and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outside. Immediately notify your doctor if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.

Elderly patients may have a greater risk of experiencing stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke when using this medication.

Women of childbearing age should speak with their doctor about the benefits and risks prior to using this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. This medication can harm an unborn baby and cause issues during normal labor/delivery. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor determines that you need to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. You should not use this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy.

It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. Similar medications are known to enter breast milk and are unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Mobic is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Mobic tablet:
  • 7.5mg
  • 15mg
• meloxicam tablet:
  • 7.5mg
  • 15mg

FAQ

Is it OK to take Tylenol while taking Mobic?

Tylenol is an over-the-counter painkilling medication that belongs to a different drug class. Usually, Mobic and Tylenol can be taken at the same time without a problem, if needed.

How long does Mobic take to work?

Mobic can take up to two weeks to start working in full effect. Some people may experience improvements in pain, swelling, tenderness, or stiffness within 24 to 72 hours. For other people, it could take a few months to start noticing an improvement in symptoms.

Resources

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/meloxicam-and-tylenol-5113665#:~:text=Mobic%20(meloxicam%20)%20is%20a%20prescription,without%20a%20problem%2C%20if%20needed
2. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/what-is-meloxicam/#:~:text=Meloxicam%20can%20take%20up%20to,noticing%20an%20improvement%20in%20symptoms
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18173/mobic-oral/details
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066928?p=1
6. https://www.drugs.com/mobic.html