Medications and Drugs

Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Fibromyalgia Friendly Exercises Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: MELOXICAM - ORAL (mel-OX-ih-cam)

BRAND NAME(S): Mobic

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Meloxicam is used to treat arthritis. It reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with it unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you have taken this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than 15 milligrams (mg) per day because higher doses increase the chance of stomach side effects. It may take up to two weeks before the full benefits of this drug take effect. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, fainting, fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent/severe headache, mental/mood changes, ringing in the ears (tinnitis), sudden or unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, seizures, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck. This medication may infrequently cause serious bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following unlikely, but very serious side effects, stop taking meloxicam and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.