Meloxicam is a generic prescription medication* that’s used to treat:

To learn more about the use of meloxicam for treating OA, RA, and JIA, see the “What is meloxicam used for?” section below.

* Meloxicam may also be used to treat certain conditions in dogs and cats. But meloxicam prescribed for humans is different from meloxicam prescribed for pets.

Meloxicam basics

Meloxicam is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Meloxicam comes as an oral tablet, which is a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as an oral capsule and an oral suspension, but these forms aren’t covered in this article.

Keep reading to learn more about meloxicam, including the drug’s side effects, dosages, uses, and more.

Meloxicam brand-name versions

Meloxicam tablets are also available in a brand-name version called Mobic.

Meloxicam is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that meloxicam is based on is Mobic.

Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on. In general, generics cost less than brand-name drugs do.

If you’d like to know more about taking Mobic instead of meloxicam, talk with your doctor. You can also explore this Healthline article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.

Like most drugs, meloxicam may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that meloxicam may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of meloxicam. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that meloxicam can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read meloxicam’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of meloxicam that have been reported include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from meloxicam can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from meloxicam, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of meloxicam that have been reported include:

* For more information, see the “What should be considered before taking meloxicam?” section.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to meloxicam.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

In addition, severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with meloxicam. These specific allergic reactions are life threatening and require immediately treatment. Symptoms of SJS and TEN can include:

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to meloxicam. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of meloxicam that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths (7.5 mg and 15 mg)

Meloxicam comes as tablets that you swallow. They’re available in two strengths: 7.5 milligrams (mg) and 15 mg.

Recommended dosages

You’ll take meloxicam once per day. Below you’ll find the usual dosages for each condition meloxicam is used to treat, including maximum dose.

Dosage for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

For treating osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, meloxicam’s recommended dosage is 7.5 mg taken once per day.

If this dose doesn’t relieve your symptoms of OA or RA, your doctor may increase your dose to 15 mg once per day. This is the maximum dose recommended for the drug.

Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

For treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), meloxicam may be prescribed to children ages 2 years and older who weigh at least 60 kilograms (kg).* The recommended dose of the drug for JIA is 7.5 mg once per day. This is also the maximum dose for this purpose.

To learn more about meloxicam’s dosage, see this article.

* One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). So 60 kg is about 132 lb.

Questions about meloxicam’s dosage

Below are some common questions about meloxicam’s dosage.

  • What if I miss a dose of meloxicam? If you miss a dose of meloxicam, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s the next day and nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. You should not take more than one dose of meloxicam at a time.
  • Will I need to take meloxicam long term? Maybe. Your doctor will recommend taking meloxicam at the lowest dose for the shortest time needed to treat your symptoms. Some people will need to take meloxicam long term to treat their symptoms.
  • How long does meloxicam take to work? Meloxicam begins working shortly after you take a dose. But it may take longer before you notice any symptom relief.

Meloxicam may be prescribed to treat the following kinds of arthritis:

* One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). So 60 kg is about 132 lb.

Below you’ll find an overview of these conditions and how meloxicam helps treat them.

Note: In addition to the uses described here, meloxicam is sometimes prescribed off-label for treating other conditions. With off-label use, a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain uses is prescribed for a different use. For more information about off-label uses of this drug, talk with your doctor.

Meloxicam for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes cartilage to break down. Cartilage is a protective tissue that covers the ends of your bones. When bones lack cartilage, they can rub against one another. This leads to symptoms such as pain and joint stiffness.

Common causes of OA include age and repeated stress to joints over time. But injury, obesity, and poor posture can also lead to OA.

Meloxicam can treat OA by helping to reduce the pain and inflammation (swelling and damage) caused by this condition.

Meloxicam for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to your joints. With autoimmune conditions, a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own body.

In people who have RA, the immune system attacks the linings of joints. Over time, this damage can cause joints to lose shape and function. Without treatment, RA can eventually destroy joints.

Symptoms of RA, which may affect one joint or multiple joints, include:

  • aching or pain
  • stiffness
  • swelling
  • tenderness

Meloxicam can treat symptoms of RA by reducing inflammation in the joints.

Meloxicam for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a kind of arthritis that affects children. “Idiopathic” means the condition has no known cause. But JIA is thought to be an autoimmune condition. With autoimmune conditions, a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own body.

Symptoms of JIA include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

Meloxicam is used to treat JIA in children ages 2 years and older who weigh at least 60 kilograms (kg).* It helps ease symptoms of JIA by reducing inflammation in the joints.

* One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). So 60 kg is about 132 lb.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about meloxicam.

Can meloxicam be taken with pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)?

It depends on the pain reliever.

Meloxicam should not be used with ibuprofen (Advil) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is because meloxicam itself is an NSAID. Taking more than one NSAID at the same time can increase your risk of certain side effects these drugs can cause.

You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with meloxicam if your doctor says it’s safe for you to do so. But don’t take acetaminophen or any other medication with meloxicam without discussing it with your doctor or pharmacist. They can check whether the medication is safe to take with meloxicam.

Is meloxicam used to treat back pain or muscle pain?

No, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved meloxicam to treat back pain or muscle pain.

But these are symptoms caused by conditions meloxicam is FDA-approved to treat: osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in some children.* The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of NSAIDs such as meloxicam may help ease back pain and muscle pain.

That said, doctors might still prescribe meloxicam off-label to treat back or muscle pain. With off-label use, a drug approved by the FDA for certain uses is prescribed for a different use. For more information about off-label uses of meloxicam, talk with your doctor.

* For more information, see the “What is meloxicam used for?” section above.

Does meloxicam make you sleepy?

No, it’s not known to do so. In studies of meloxicam, sleepiness wasn’t a reported side effect.

But drowsiness is a known symptom of overdose from NSAIDs, the group of drugs meloxicam belongs to. Taking more meloxicam than prescribed could lead to overdose, which may cause drowsiness.

To learn more about meloxicam overdose, see the “What should be done in case of overdose?” section below. Your doctor or pharmacist can also discuss this with you.

Do older adults have a higher risk of side effects with meloxicam?

It depends on the side effect. Older adults (ages 65 years and older) have a higher risk of some side effects of meloxicam, but not all.

Side effects that older adults are at higher risk of from taking meloxicam include:

  • kidney damage
  • boxed warning: risk of heart problems and risk of digestive system problems*

* For more information, see the “What should be considered before taking meloxicam?” section.

Because of these risks, doctors will prescribe the lowest meloxicam dose for the shortest possible time to treat symptoms of OA or RA in older people.

If you have questions about whether meloxicam is safe for you to take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I know about alternatives to meloxicam, such as Celebrex?

Meloxicam and Celebrex are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). So these drugs have many similarities. For example, they’re both commonly used to treat OA and RA.

In addition, both meloxicam and Celebrex have boxed warnings regarding the risk of serious heart or digestive problems that can occur as side effects.* Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

That said, meloxicam and Celebrex also have some differences. For example, meloxicam is a generic prescription drug, and Celebrex is a brand-name prescription drug. (The active ingredient in Celebrex is celecoxib. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

As well, Celebrex may be taken once or twice per day to treat OA, while meloxicam is taken once per day to treat OA.

To learn more about meloxicam and possible alternatives, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about meloxicam’s boxed warnings, see the “What should be considered before taking meloxicam?” section below. Your doctor can discuss Celebrex’s boxed warnings with you.

Meloxicam comes with several warnings, which may affect whether the drug is a good treatment for your condition.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking meloxicam, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs). Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with meloxicam.

For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Other warnings” section below.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Meloxicam can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

This list does not contain all kinds of drugs that may interact with meloxicam. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of meloxicam.

Boxed warnings

Meloxicam has boxed warnings about the risk of heart problems and risk of digestive system problems. These are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of heart problems. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including meloxicam, increases the risk of heart problems. Examples include heart attack and stroke. These side effects can happen at any time while taking meloxicam. In rare cases, they can be fatal.

Symptoms of heart attack or stroke can include:

  • chest pain
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw, or neck
  • shortness of breath
  • sudden, severe headache
  • vision problems
  • weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face

Immediately call 911 or a local emergency number if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking meloxicam.

You’re thought to be at higher risk of heart problems if you take meloxicam and:

  • have another heart condition, such as heart disease
  • take a higher meloxicam dose
  • take meloxicam for a long period of time

Due to these risks, doctors will not prescribe meloxicam if you’ve recently had a heart attack or heart bypass surgery. To learn more about whether meloxicam is safe to take based on your medical history, talk with your doctor.

Risk of digestive system problems. Taking NSAIDs such as meloxicam increases the risk of serious digestive problems. Examples include bleeding, ulcers, and holes in the digestive tract. These side effects can happen at any time while taking meloxicam. In rare cases, they can be fatal.

Symptoms of these digestive problems include:

If you have symptoms of digestive problems, contact your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you permanently stop taking meloxicam if they confirm you have a serious digestive problem.

Certain factors increase the risk of digestive problems that meloxicam and other NSAIDs can cause. These factors include:

  • taking meloxicam for a long time
  • drinking alcohol
  • smoking or using tobacco
  • being age 65 years or older
  • taking meloxicam with certain other drugs

If you have concerns about serious digestive problems while taking meloxicam, talk with your doctor.

Other warnings

Meloxicam can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether meloxicam is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take meloxicam. Factors to consider include those described below.

Asthma. Some people with asthma experience certain side effects after taking aspirin. These side effects, such as sudden tightening in the airways, can be severe or even life threatening in rare cases.

Because meloxicam and aspirin are similar, it’s possible for some people with asthma to have this reaction with meloxicam. If you have aspirin-sensitive asthma, your doctor likely won’t prescribe meloxicam. If you have asthma that isn’t aspirin-sensitive, your doctor will still closely monitor you for worsening asthma symptoms during meloxicam treatment.

Kidney problems. Though rare, meloxicam can cause kidney damage. People who have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease, may have a higher risk of this side effect. If you have a kidney problem, tell your doctor before you start taking meloxicam. Depending on the how severe your kidney problem is, they may prescribe a lower meloxicam dose.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to meloxicam or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe meloxicam. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Meloxicam and alcohol

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking meloxicam.

Alcohol can increase your risk of certain side effects from meloxicam. This includes serious heart problems and serious digestive system problems. Meloxicam has boxed warnings about these problems. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA about drug effects that may be dangerous. For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section above.

Before you start taking meloxicam, talk with your doctor about consuming alcohol during treatment. They can advise you on how much alcohol, if any, is safe to drink while taking the drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Below you’ll find information on taking meloxicam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Meloxicam and pregnancy

It isn’t safe to take meloxicam at week 30 of pregnancy and beyond. Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam can cause harm to a fetus if taken at this point in pregnancy.

It isn’t clear whether it’s safe to take meloxicam during other periods of pregnancy.

To learn more about the risks and benefits of other treatments for your condition during pregnancy, talk with your doctor.

Meloxicam and breastfeeding

It’s not clear whether meloxicam causes side effects in a breastfed child. The drug is known pass into breast milk in small amounts.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking meloxicam during this time.

Your doctor will explain how you should take meloxicam. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking meloxicam

Meloxicam comes as a tablet that you take by swallowing.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put meloxicam in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Questions about taking meloxicam

Below are some common questions about taking meloxicam.

  • Can meloxicam be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split meloxicam tablets. Check out this page for tips if you’re having trouble swallowing pills. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist about meloxicam oral suspension (a kind of mixture in liquid that you swallow), which may be easier for you to take.
  • Should I take meloxicam with food? You may take meloxicam with or without food. If you find that the drug causes you indigestion (upset stomach), taking your dose with a meal or a small snack may help avoid this side effect.
  • Is there a best time of day to take meloxicam? No, there’s no best time of day to take meloxicam. You should take your dose once per day as directed by your doctor.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about meloxicam and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions, such as:
    • How will meloxicam affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

Financial assistance to help you pay for meloxicam may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of meloxicam.

These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. To learn more, visit their websites.

Do not take more meloxicam than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much meloxicam

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much meloxicam. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Meloxicam is prescribed to treat certain types of arthritis in adults and some children. If you’re interested in taking meloxicam or learning more about the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask questions that help you feel comfortable with the drug and your treatment options.

Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:

  • How do meloxicam’s side effects compare with other medications that can treat my condition?
  • Are long-term side effects possible with meloxicam?
  • What happens if another doctor I go to prescribes a medication that interacts with meloxicam?
  • Am I at higher risk of side effects from taking meloxicam based on my age and medical conditions?

To learn more about meloxicam, see this article:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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