Mobic

Mobic This page contains drug information on Mobic. The information provided includes the following: what is Mobic the possible side effects of Mobic what happens if you miss a dose of Mobic what happens if you overdose with Mobic the most important information about Mobic how to use Mobic other drugs that may affect Mobic what to avoid while using Mobic

Generic Name: meloxicam (me LOCK seh cam) Brand Names: Mobic

What is the most important information I should know about meloxicam?

• Contact your doctor if you experience bloody, black, or tarry stools, blood in your vomit; swelling or rapid weight gain (fluid retention); unusual fatigue or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; excessive itching; flu-like symptoms; or abdominal pain or tenderness. These symptoms could indicate serious side effects.
• Many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and pain medicines contain aspirin or other medicines similar to meloxicam (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and others). Before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
• Avoid alcohol or use it with moderation. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, meloxicam may increase the risk of dangerous stomach bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking meloxicam if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day.

What is meloxicam?

• Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
• Meloxicam is used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Meloxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking meloxicam?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
• have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
• drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
• have liver disease;
• have kidney disease;
• have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder,
• have congestive heart failure,
• have fluid retention,
• have heart disease, or
• have high blood pressure.

You may not be able to take meloxicam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Meloxicam is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means it is not known whether meloxicam will be harmful to an unborn baby. Meloxicam should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take meloxicam without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether meloxicam passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take meloxicam?

• Take meloxicam exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Meloxicam may be taken with or without food.
• Store meloxicam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• If you are taking meloxicam on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
• If you are taking meloxicam as needed, take the missed dose if it is needed, then wait the recommended or prescribed amount of time before taking another dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a meloxicam overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, headache, cardiac arrest, stomach pain, seizures, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking meloxicam?

• Avoid alcohol or use it with moderation. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, meloxicam may increase the risk of dangerous stomach bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking meloxicam if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day.
• Many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and pain medicines contain aspirin or other medicines similar to meloxicam (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and others). Before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, talk to your doctor and pharmacist.

What are the possible side effects of meloxicam?

Contact your doctor if you experience bloody, black, or tarry stools, blood in your vomit; swelling or rapid weight gain (fluid retention); unusual fatigue or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; excessive itching; flu-like symptoms; or abdominal pain or tenderness. These symptoms could indicate serious side effects.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking meloxicam and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
• ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
• seizures;
• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears; or
• abdominal cramping, heartburn, or indigestion.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take meloxicam and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness or headache;
• nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
• depression;
• fatigue or weakness;
• dry mouth; or
• irregular menstrual periods.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect meloxicam?

Before taking meloxicam, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• aspirin or another salicylate (form of aspirin) such as salsalate (Disalcid), diflunisal (Dolobid), choline salicylate-magnesium salicylate (Trilisate, Tricosal, others), and magnesium salicylate (Doan's, others);
• another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Naprelan, others), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin);
• an over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicine that contains aspirin, ibuprofen, meloxicam, or ketoprofen;
• a diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others;
• an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); or

You may not be able to take meloxicam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with meloxicam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.