What is the most important information I should know about meloxicam?
Meloxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Meloxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
What is meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
Meloxicam is also used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 2 years old.
The Anjeso brand of meloxicam is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults.
Vivlodex is for use only in adults.
Meloxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving meloxicam?
Meloxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Meloxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
Meloxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using meloxicam, especially in older adults.
You should not use meloxicam if you are allergic to it, or if you ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- ulcers or stomach bleeding;
- asthma;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease; or
- fluid retention.
If you are pregnant, you should not take meloxicam unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Meloxicam may cause a delay in ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). You should not take meloxicam if you are undergoing fertility treatment, or are otherwise trying to get pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Meloxicam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
How is meloxicam given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.
Meloxicam oral is taken by mouth.
Meloxicam injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the medicine your doctor prescribes.
Meloxicam doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Store meloxicam oral suspension, tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving meloxicam?
Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking meloxicam, unless your doctor tells you to.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to meloxicam (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
What are the possible side effects of meloxicam?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
Stop using meloxicam and call your doctor at once if you have:
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet; or
- kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
- diarrhea, constipation, gas;
- dizziness; or
- cold symptoms, flu symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect meloxicam?
Ask your doctor before using meloxicam if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- cyclosporine;
- lithium;
- methotrexate;
- pemetrexed;
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate);
- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
- heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or
- steroid medicine (such as prednisone).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect meloxicam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about meloxicam.
