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Meloxicam

  • Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - it is also referred to as an NSAID.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID.

About meloxicam

Type of medicineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used forRheumatic disease
Ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoarthritis
Also calledMobic®
Available asTablets

Meloxicam can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the joints of the backbone). It can also be used short-term to relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.

Meloxicam works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

Before taking meloxicam

Before taking meloxicam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive or bowel problems.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you suffer from proctitis (an inflamed back passage) or haemorrhoids (piles).
  • If you have ever had stomach problems such as stomach ulcers.
  • If you have a history of allergic disorders.
  • If you suffer from asthma.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to this medicine, to any other NSAID (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indometacin) or to any other medicine.

How to take meloxicam

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take meloxicam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take the tablets with or straight after food.
  • Meloxicam is taken once each day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • You may mix the tablets into a small glass of water before taking, or else they can be swallowed whole with a drink of water.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is the next day before you remember, take the dose for that day and leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with meloxicam.

Can meloxicam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoeaStick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids
Indigestion, stomach discomfort, windEat little and often. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
DizzinessAvoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks which require you to be alert
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor

Important: if you experience the following speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • any shortness of breath, skin rash or swelling of the mouth or face
  • any sign of bleeding from the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or black stools

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store meloxicam

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Mobic® Tablets 7.5 mg, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed April 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3293DocRef: dils2222Last Reviewed: 1 Sep 2010Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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