Meloxicam tablets
What do meloxicam tablets do?
MELOXICAM (Mobic(R)) is used for osteoarthritis to reduce pain and inflammation. Meloxicam has also been used to treat mild to moderate pain due to other conditions.
What should my health care professional know before I take meloxicam?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• asthma
• bone marrow disease
• cigarette smoker
• diabetes mellitus
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• heart or circulation problems such as heart failure or leg edema
• high blood pressure
• immunosupression (suppressed immune function)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• nasal polyps
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, meloxicam, piroxicam, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take meloxicam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. If meloxicam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with meloxicam?
• agents that treat or prevent blood clots
• alcohol
• alendronate
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cyclosporine
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• methotrexate
• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking meloxicam?
Patients should seek immediate emergency help in the case of a serious allergic reaction. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in urine
• black, tarry stools
• blurred vision
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing
• fainting or passing out
• fast heartbeat
• fatigue, weakness, or sleepiness
• pain on swallowing
• pain or tenderness on the right side upper (above the stomach)
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• stomach tenderness, pain, bleeding, or cramps
• swelling of eyelids, throat, lips, legs, ankles, or feet
• unexplained weight gain or edema
• yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• gas or heartburn
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• minor upset stomach
• nausea or vomiting