What is mobic tablets used for. Mobic (Meloxicam): Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage for Arthritis Treatment
What is Mobic used for. How does meloxicam work to relieve arthritis symptoms. What are the common side effects of Mobic. How does Mobic compare to other arthritis medications. What precautions should be taken when using meloxicam.
Understanding Mobic: A Powerful NSAID for Arthritis Relief
Mobic, also known by its generic name meloxicam, is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used to treat various forms of arthritis. As a prescription medication, Mobic offers relief from pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with joint conditions. But how exactly does this drug work, and what should patients know before taking it?
What is Mobic?
Mobic is the brand name for meloxicam, a medication belonging to the NSAID class. It’s available in several forms, including tablets, disintegrating tablets, capsules, and oral suspension. Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Mobic is also available as generic meloxicam from various manufacturers.
How does Mobic work?
Mobic works by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins – hormones that cause inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin levels, Mobic effectively decreases pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
The Primary Uses of Mobic in Treating Arthritis
Mobic is primarily prescribed for the treatment of arthritis-related conditions. Its effectiveness in managing joint pain and inflammation makes it a valuable option for many patients struggling with chronic arthritis symptoms.
Which types of arthritis does Mobic treat?
Mobic is FDA-approved for treating several forms of arthritis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
- Osteoarthritis in adults
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years and older
Additionally, some healthcare providers may prescribe Mobic off-label for ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis affecting the spine.
Can Mobic be used for other conditions?
While Mobic is primarily used for arthritis, its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties may make it useful for other conditions. However, it’s crucial to only use Mobic as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as it can have serious side effects if used improperly.
Dosage and Administration of Mobic
The correct dosage of Mobic varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and other individual factors. It’s essential to follow the prescribing physician’s instructions carefully.
What are the typical dosages for Mobic?
For adults with osteoarthritis, the usual recommended dose is 7.5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 15 mg if necessary. For rheumatoid arthritis, the starting dose is often 7.5 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 15 mg daily. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis typically receive 0.125 mg/kg once daily, up to a maximum of 7.5 mg per day.
How should Mobic be taken?
Mobic should be taken orally, with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. For patients using the oral suspension, it’s important to shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device.
Common Side Effects and Precautions of Mobic
Like all medications, Mobic can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences side effects, it’s important to be aware of potential reactions and know when to seek medical attention.
What are the most common side effects of Mobic?
The most frequently reported side effects of Mobic include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
While these side effects are generally mild, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
Are there any serious side effects to be aware of?
Mobic can potentially cause more serious side effects, including:
- Cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Liver or kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions
- High blood pressure
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, black or bloody stools, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
Mobic vs. Other Arthritis Medications: A Comparison
While Mobic is an effective treatment for arthritis, it’s not the only option available. Understanding how it compares to other medications can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment.
How does Mobic compare to over-the-counter NSAIDs?
Mobic is generally considered more potent than over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. In one study, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee reported greater pain relief with meloxicam compared to ibuprofen. However, this increased potency also comes with a potentially higher risk of side effects.
What are the advantages of Mobic over other prescription arthritis medications?
Compared to some other prescription arthritis medications, Mobic has the advantage of once-daily dosing, which can improve patient compliance. It may also have a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to some other NSAIDs. However, the choice of medication depends on individual patient factors and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Special Considerations and Precautions for Mobic Use
While Mobic can be an effective treatment for arthritis, there are certain situations where its use may be contraindicated or require special precautions.
Who should not take Mobic?
Mobic is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by patients who:
- Have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Have recently had or are about to have heart bypass surgery
- Are in the last trimester of pregnancy
- Have severe liver disease
- Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
What precautions should be taken when using Mobic?
Patients taking Mobic should be aware of the following precautions:
- Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding
- Use caution when driving or operating machinery, as Mobic can cause dizziness
- Inform all healthcare providers about Mobic use before any surgery or medical procedure
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, as Mobic can cause hypertension
- Be cautious about sun exposure, as Mobic can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight
Long-Term Use of Mobic: Benefits and Risks
For many patients with chronic arthritis, long-term use of Mobic may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively. However, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential risks associated with prolonged use.
What are the benefits of long-term Mobic use?
Long-term use of Mobic can provide continued relief from arthritis symptoms, improving quality of life and maintaining mobility. For many patients, the consistent anti-inflammatory effect of Mobic can help slow the progression of joint damage associated with some forms of arthritis.
Are there risks associated with long-term Mobic use?
While Mobic can be effective for long-term symptom management, prolonged use does carry some risks. These may include:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events
- Potential for gastrointestinal complications
- Possible kidney function impairment
- Liver function abnormalities
Regular check-ups and monitoring by a healthcare provider are essential for patients on long-term Mobic therapy to manage these risks effectively.
Interactions and Contraindications of Mobic
Understanding potential drug interactions and contraindications is crucial for safe and effective use of Mobic. Patients should always inform their healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking.
What medications interact with Mobic?
Mobic can interact with several medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some notable interactions include:
- Other NSAIDs or aspirin (increased risk of bleeding)
- Blood thinners like warfarin (increased risk of bleeding)
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs (may reduce effectiveness of blood pressure medication)
- Diuretics (may increase risk of kidney problems)
- Lithium (may increase lithium levels in the blood)
- Methotrexate (may increase methotrexate levels and toxicity)
Are there any dietary considerations when taking Mobic?
While Mobic can be taken with or without food, patients should be aware of certain dietary considerations:
- Limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding
- Maintain adequate hydration to support kidney function
- Some patients may benefit from taking Mobic with food to reduce stomach upset
As always, patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice on diet and medication use.
In conclusion, Mobic (meloxicam) is a powerful tool in the treatment of arthritis, offering effective relief from pain and inflammation. However, like all medications, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Patients considering Mobic should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine if it’s the right choice for their individual needs and to ensure safe and effective use. Regular monitoring and open communication about any side effects or concerns are key to maximizing the benefits of Mobic while minimizing potential risks.
Common and Rare Side Effects for Mobic oral
COMMON side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
- diarrhea
- intense abdominal pain
INFREQUENT side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
- a skin rash
- visible water retention
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
- a common cold
- indigestion
- constipation
- urinary tract infection
- dizziness
- flu-like symptoms
- pain
- headache
- nausea
- gas
RARE side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
- water retention
- high levels of potassium in the blood
- anemia
- large purple or brown skin blotches
- decreased blood platelets
- very low levels of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell
- low levels of white blood cells
- high blood pressure
- a heart attack
- angina, a type of chest pain
- a stroke
- inflammation of the blood vessels
- low blood pressure
- throat irritation
- asthma
- bronchospasm
- canker sores
- a stomach ulcer
- stomach or intestinal ulcer
- inflammation of the large intestine
- liver failure
- damage to the liver and inflammation
- bleeding of the stomach or intestines
- a type of kidney inflammation called interstitial nephritis
- damage to the kidneys
- kidney failure
- renal papillary necrosis
- inflammation of the skin with blisters
- erythema multiforme, a type of allergic skin reaction
- a skin disorder with blistering and peeling skin called toxic epidermal necrolysis
- a skin disorder with blistering and peeling skin called Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- skin rash with sloughing
- hives
- puffy face from water retention
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- chest tightness
- an inability to completely empty the bladder
- abnormal liver function tests
- a significant type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis
- a type of allergic reaction called angioedema
- a rupture in the wall of the stomach or intestine
- a yellowing of the eyes or skin from buildup of bilirubin called jaundice
- pancreatitis
- worsening of chronic heart failure
- a type of significant allergic skin reaction called DRESS syndrome
- fast heartbeat
- an abnormally fast heartbeat
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
- confusion
- mood changes
- a change in vision
- ringing in the ears
- dry mouth
- inflammation of the esophagus
- gastroesophageal reflux disease
- black tarry stools
- increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun
- itching
- hair loss
- drowsiness
- fainting
- sensation of spinning or whirling
- low energy
- excessive sweating
- muscle tremors
- taste impairment
- temporary redness of face and neck
- weight gain
- weight loss
- cough
- vomiting
- burping
- an increased need to urinate often
- nervousness
- a feeling of pins and needles on skin
- a feeling of general discomfort called malaise
- anxious feelings
What is meloxicam and what is it used for?
Living with arthritis and the associated pain and swelling can be difficult, but there are treatment options. Meloxicam is a prescription drug that helps relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis. Here we discuss what meloxicam is, why it’s prescribed, common dosage and side effects, and how it compares to other medications used for arthritis.
What is meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat arthritis. It helps treat pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling of the joints. Meloxicam is used to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis in adults, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 2 years old.
Meloxicam is a strong painkiller that must be prescribed by a doctor. It can come as a tablet, disintegrating tablet, capsule, or oral suspension liquid. Some popular brand names of meloxicam include Mobic, Vivlodex, and Meloxicam Comfort Pac. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals manufactures brand-name Mobic, and numerous other manufacturers make generic meloxicam.
What is meloxicam used for?
Meloxicam is used to treat the pain and inflammation that results from having rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, which lower levels of the inflammation-causing hormone, a prostaglandin. Meloxicam is sometimes used to treat a condition called ankylosing spondylitis, which is arthritis that affects the spine.
The main symptoms that meloxicam treats are pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Many people use ibuprofen to try and treat their arthritis symptoms as they arise, and even though both ibuprofen and meloxicam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, meloxicam is stronger. In one study, patients with osteoarthritis in the knee and hip showed significant improvement after 12 weeks in comparison to a placebo.
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Meloxicam dosages
Meloxicam is available as a tablet, disintegrating tablet, oral capsule, and as an oral suspension liquid. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the standard dosage of meloxicam is 7. 5 mg taken once per day, with a maximum daily dosage of 15 mg. For children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the standard dosage is 0.125 mg/kg per day, with a maximum dosage of 7.5 mg per day.
Meloxicam can take up to two weeks to start working in full effect. Some changes to pain, swelling, tenderness, or stiffness may be noticeable within 24 to 72 hours, but it might take longer to notice a large difference in pain levels.
“Meloxicam treats pain, swelling, and inflammation, especially associated with arthritis,” says Nonye Uddoh, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacist with UnitedHealth Group. “It starts working within 30 minutes, but peaks in efficacy at four hours when taken by mouth. Its half life is 15-20 hours, meaning it takes 15 hours to eliminate half of it from your body.”
Dr. Uddoh also explains that meloxicam shouldn’t be used for people with asthma, aspirin sensitivity, known stomach disease, or by anyone with a medical history of ulcers or bleeding. Meloxicam shouldn’t be taken by anyone who has an allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Anyone with a heart problem or heart disease should avoid taking this drug because it’s associated with a heightened risk of heart attacks. If you are about to have a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), meloxicam shouldn’t be taken right before or after surgery.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding you should avoid taking meloxicam. It’s possible that meloxicam could cause infertility or negatively affect your unborn baby. Research on whether or not meloxicam transfers to babies from their mother via breast milk is unclear.
Meloxicam shouldn’t be taken with the following drugs because it reacts negatively with them:
- ACE-inhibitors
- Aspirin
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
In the case of aspirin, taking it at the same time as meloxicam could result in an increased risk of ulcers. Keeping a list of all the medications you take, including any herbal products, can help doctors determine whether or not meloxicam is the right medication for you.
Taking ibuprofen and meloxicam at the same time shouldn’t be done without prior approval from a medical professional. Both medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and if they’re combined they can increase the risk of more serious side effects like stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Meloxicam is safe to take daily, and it’s typically longer-lasting than other over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. Meloxicam is non-addictive and is easy to stop taking if wanted or required. Sometimes, serious side effects such as allergic reaction, nausea, or vomiting may occur. You should stop taking meloxicam immediately and seek medical advice if you experience any negative side effects.
What are the side effects of meloxicam?
As with any medication, there is always the potential for adverse effects. Here is a list of some of the common side effects associated with meloxicam:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Skin rash
- Heartburn
- Bleeding
- Elevated potassium levels
Meloxicam has more serious side effects that are related to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks. It may cause allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. An allergic reaction could cause a shortness of breath, sore throat, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, and face. If you believe you are having an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.
Meloxicam should not be taken if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Anyone who has had ulcers, kidney or liver disease or problems, or stomach bleeding should not take this medication. It should be taken with extreme caution for people with fluid retention and heart failure. Older adults, those who are in poor health, and those who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time are more likely to experience these side effects.
Meloxicam is not addictive, but it interacts poorly with blood thinners and could lead to bleeding. Alcohol should be avoided as much as possible while taking meloxicam because it increases the risk of getting stomach ulcers.
More serious risk factors associated with taking meloxicam include chest pain, infrequent urination or not urinating at all, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and black, bloody, or tarry stools. You should stop taking meloxicam and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects. This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of meloxicam.
This medication guide is a great resource that lists FDA warnings, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and general drug information as it relates to meloxicam.
Are there alternatives to meloxicam?
There are multiple drug alternatives to meloxicam that function in a similar way. Any medication that’s classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug will be similar in nature to meloxicam. Some medications like Aleve and Tylenol are available over-the-counter. Speaking with a medical professional can help you determine which medication is best for treating your individual arthritis pain.
- Aleve (naproxen): Aleve is long-lasting and treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever. It’s available over-the-counter or by prescription.
- Cambia (diclofenac): Cambia helps with muscle aches and pain that are a result of inflammation. It often needs to be taken several times a day and is not for long-term use because of its side effects. See diclofenac vs. ibuprofen to learn more about diclofenac and how it compares to ibuprofen.
- Celebrex (celecoxib): Celebrex treats arthritis pain but should not be used if you have a heart condition. It causes fewer stomach problems and has a lower risk of causing heart attacks than other NSAIDs. Check out meloxicam vs. Celebrex for more information on the differences between meloxicam and Celebrex. However, it has shown to increase risk for heart disease.
- Feldene (piroxicam): Feldene can help with joint stiffness, pain, and swelling due to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
- Lodine (etodolac): Lodine relieves pain from arthritis and other conditions. It may take up to two weeks to see therapeutic results, and Lodine is associated with some serious side effects like heart attacks and strokes. It’s important to speak with a medical professional if you are thinking of taking NSAIDs and have a heart condition.
- Relafen (nabumetone): Relafen helps with pain and inflammation and is typically taken only once per day in comparison to other NSAIDs. It may take up to a week or more to feel a difference in pain levels if taking Relafen.
- Tylenol Regular Strength (acetaminophen): Tylenol helps relieve pain and reduce fevers, but it doesn’t reduce swelling and inflammation. Tylenol is easier on the stomach and causes less bleeding than other pain medications. It’s available over-the-counter.
RELATED: Cambia details | Celebrex details | Feldene details | Lodine details | Nabumetone details
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Natural remedies for arthritis
Many natural and home remedies can help treat arthritis symptoms and may be an alternative to meloxicam for some people. Certain herbal supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, and natural treatments like massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustments can help manage pain symptoms. Here’s a list of some of the most popular natural and home remedies that people use to treat the stiffness, pain, aching, and swelling that come from having arthritis:
- Anti-inflammatory diet. Foods that contain omega-3s, sulfur, antioxidants, and collagen will help lower inflammation and pain. Types of foods that contain these nutrients include wild-caught fish, walnuts, garlic, onions, bone broth, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Staying active. Even though exercising might be more painful for people with arthritis, being active actually helps strengthen muscles that surround joints, which gives them more support. Exercising regularly lowers inflammation levels in the body. Stretching, walking, strength training, biking, and swimming are all activities that someone with arthritis could benefit from.
- Ginger and turmeric. Even though the use of herbal supplements like ginger and turmeric aren’t approved by the FDA, many people still use them and benefit from their anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory for the body, and also as an analgesic that helps reduce pain. The most active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help with joint inflammation and swelling.
- Getting chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments may help relieve pain that comes from having osteoarthritis. Treatment varies on a case-by-case basis, but most chiropractic manipulations are done on the neck, back, and spine. Many chiropractic offices offer massage therapy as well, which also helps with pain.
- Using boswellia essential oil. Also known as frankincense oil, boswellia essential oil is known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain. It can be combined with a carrier oil and applied topically over painful areas several times per day.
A Safer Alternative to Opioid Painkillers?
Although the dangers of opioid painkillers are well-known and documented, there are few alternative options that provide effective relief from chronic or severe pain. For those who are in recovery from substance use disorder, managing pain without opioid drugs may sometimes be difficult. Meloxicam is one drug that has been considered as a possible alternative to opioids and it shows promise. However, meloxicam and other NSAIDs also come with their own set of risks.
What is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain and inflammation.1 It is sold under the brand name Mobic, which is used to treat arthritis. It is recommended that the lowest possible effective dose is used for patients taking meloxicam, as higher doses can cause significant health problems. The average dose is 7.5 mg daily and Mobic is administered in tablet, liquid, or capsule form.
How Does Meloxicam Work?
Meloxicam works to reduce pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that contribute to inflammation, especially within the joints of the body. Other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen (Motrin), Indomethacin (Indocin), and Nabumetone (Relafen) work the same way.
Is Meloxicam a Strong Painkiller?
Yes, meloxicam is a strong painkiller that is only legally available with a prescription. Although NSAIDs are available in an over-the-counter or prescription form, meloxicam is more potent than other over-the-counter NSAIDs that are used to treat pain. Examples of less potent NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and diclofenac gel.
Is Meloxicam Stronger than Ibuprofen?
Yes, meloxicam is a stronger drug than ibuprofen. Both drugs are available in prescription form but ibuprofen is also available in over-the-counter form. Although both ibuprofen and meloxicam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), meloxicam is a long-acting drug that can relieve pain for up to 24 hours and it is not prescribed in combination with other drugs. Comparatively, ibuprofen is generally taken three to four times a day (although longer-lasting forms of the drug can be prescribed) and it is available in combination with other medications.2
Is Meloxicam Like Tramadol?
Meloxicam and tramadol are both used to treat pain, so they are similar but not the same. Meloxicam and tramadol belong to different classes of drugs. Meloxicam is an NSAID and tramadol is a narcotic painkiller. Both drugs may also interact with alcohol, antidepressants, heart medication, or blood pressure medication. Meloxicam and tramadol share some side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, stomach upset, dizziness, diarrhea, headache, nervousness, and skin rash.
How Long Does Meloxicam Stay in Your System?
The elimination half-life of meloxicam (or the duration of time it takes your body to metabolize and get rid of half of the drug in your system) is about 20 hours.3 However, this varies from person to person. Meloxicam can also be detected by a urine drug test for up to five days after the last dose.
What is Meloxicam Used For?
Meloxicam is approved by the FDA to treat pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.4 Other NSAIDs like meloxicam are used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. Specifically, NSAIDs may be used to treat a variety of medical conditions and ailments such as:
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Sports injuries
- Ankylosing spondylitis (a form of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine)
NSAIDs are also found in many cold and allergy medications.
Is Meloxicam a Narcotic?
No, meloxicam is not a narcotic. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike narcotics, these types of drugs work by reducing the production of certain hormones that cause pain and inflammation.
Is Meloxicam a Controlled Substance?
No, meloxicam is not a controlled substance in the U. S. However, there is still a risk that it will be misused and it can cause psychological addiction even though it won’t get you high.
Does Meloxicam Help with Back Pain?
Although meloxicam may help relieve back pain, the FDA has only approved it for treating symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.5
What are the Side Effects of Meloxicam?
Although meloxicam is effective in relieving pain, swelling, and tenderness caused by arthritis conditions, it does have some side effects that users should be aware of. Common side effects of meloxicam include:
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid retention/swelling
- Liver damage/liver disease2
Some people are also highly allergic to NSAIDs, which can lead to serious reactions. Additionally, people who are at risk of heart disease may also face an increased risk of stroke or deadly heart attacks and people with kidney problems are at risk for kidney failure and should avoid taking meloxicam.4
Meloxicam vs. Opioids: Which is Safer?
According to the CDC, more than 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American patients in 2017 and between July 2016 and September 2017, emergency department visits for opioid overdoses rose 30 percent in all parts of the U.S.6,7 More than 130 people die every day from opioid-related overdoses and in 2017 alone, 2 million people misused prescription opioid drugs for the first time.6
Due to the clear dangers and risks of prescription opioid painkillers, medical experts and scientists are searching for alternatives that are just as effective for pain relief, without the risk for dependence and addiction. Unfortunately, this process isn’t as easy as it sounds. Every person has a different threshold for pain so certain drugs may work well for some, but not others. Additionally, some alternative drugs work to relieve pain, but they cause serious side effects.
Although opioid drugs like hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone and others are touted as the most potent prescription painkillers available, one 2018 study published in JAMA found that they were no more effective than non-opioid drugs in treating moderate to severe chronic back pain or hip or knee osteoarthritis over a 12-month span.7
Since some scientific studies have shown meloxicam to be just as effective for certain types of pain relief, there is a possibility that it may be a better treatment method than opioid medication. Although a person could still abuse meloxicam and become psychologically dependent, the risk of dependence is less severe than that of opioids.
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Will Meloxicam Get You High?
While it is possible to abuse meloxicam by taking larger doses or taking it without a medical need for it, it will not produce a euphoric high as prescription opioids do. There is, however, a risk for overdose if a person takes too much meloxicam or takes it too quickly.4
Is Meloxicam Addictive?
Meloxicam is not considered physically addictive, although a person may become psychologically addicted to the pain relief it provides. Regardless, the FDA discourages doctors from prescribing meloxicam to people with a history of substance use disorder or to those who have previously abused prescription opioid painkillers.3
Meloxicam Abuse
Although meloxicam will not produce a euphoric high, some people still abuse it in the hopes of achieving a high that is similar to that of opioid painkillers. This is due to the common misconception that meloxicam is a narcotic when it is really an NSAID.
Unfortunately, if a person is not experiencing physical pain and they take meloxicam, they may suffer damage to the liver and kidneys. The medication may also cause their blood to thin. The risk of overdose is also much higher if a person abuses meloxicam with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen.10
The combination of meloxicam and alcohol is also highly dangerous and may result in jaundice, internal bleeding of the stomach, or liver failure.10 As a result, there is no benefit to abusing meloxicam recreationally.
Meloxicam comes with its own set of risks and side effects, but it may be a safer alternative to opioid painkillers without as much potential for abuse and addiction.
Treatment for Meloxicam Abuse
Abusing meloxicam recreationally might be a sign of a deeper problem, as the drug does not provide any euphoric side effects. A drug rehab program can provide life skills, peer support, and behavioral therapy to address co-occurring disorders and the root causes of your addiction, so you can learn how to live sober without relying on drugs to cope with life circumstances.
If you or a loved one is struggling with meloxicam abuse or is addicted to prescription medication, Nova Recovery Center can help. Call today to speak with a Nova admissions representative. We have immediate openings and accept several different health insurance providers.
References:
- https://www.medicinenet.com/meloxicam/article.htm#what_are_the_uses_for_meloxicam
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-meloxicam-ibuprofen-3504403/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8630630
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020938s022lbl.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066928?p=1
- https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/prescribed.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/opioid-overdoses/index.html
- https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2673971
- http://www.safetymedical.net/meloxicam-abuse
Mobic | healthdirect
What it is used for
MOBIC tablets and capsules are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral.
This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Pastel-yellow, round tablet in “SNAP-A-TAB” form, one face is convex with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo, the other face is concave and marked ’59D’ and has a broad break bar.
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Do I need a prescription?
What is the medicines and poisons schedule?
All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’.
You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.
close tooltip Ok
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.
open tool tip to find out more
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on August 1, 2021. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Over 65?
This medicine contains the active ingredients:
If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient meloxicam
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Print the CMI.
Listen to the CMI.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
What it is used for
MOBIC tablets and capsules are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral.
This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Oblong, hard gelatin capsule with pale green opaque cap and body, containing a fine yellow granulate.
Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Do I need a prescription?
What is the medicines and poisons schedule?
All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’.
You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.
close tooltip Ok
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.
open tool tip to find out more
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on August 1, 2021. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Over 65?
This medicine contains the active ingredients:
If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient meloxicam
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Print the CMI.
Listen to the CMI.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
What it is used for
MOBIC tablets and capsules are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral.
This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Pastel-yellow, round tablet in “SNAP-A-TAB” form, one face is convex with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo, the other face is concave and marked ’77C’ and has a broad break bar.
Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Do I need a prescription?
What is the medicines and poisons schedule?
All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’.
You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.
close tooltip Ok
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.
open tool tip to find out more
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on August 1, 2021. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Over 65?
This medicine contains the active ingredients:
If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient meloxicam
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Print the CMI.
Listen to the CMI.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
What it is used for
MOBIC tablets and capsules are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral.
This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Oblong, hard gelatin capsule with pale green opaque cap and pale yellow opaque body, containing a fine yellow granulate.
Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Do I need a prescription?
What is the medicines and poisons schedule?
All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’.
You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.
close tooltip Ok
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.
open tool tip to find out more
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on August 1, 2021. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Over 65?
This medicine contains the active ingredients:
If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient meloxicam
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Print the CMI.
Listen to the CMI.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions
Mobic (meloxicam) is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and analgesic medication approved for the treatment of certain types of arthritis. It decreases inflammation, which constitutes a major cause of arthritis symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Mobic comes in a tablet or oral suspension (liquid) typically taken by mouth once a day. It’s also available in the generic form.
The meloxicam brands Qmiiz ODT and Vivlodex are specifically indicated for arthritis, whereas Anjesco—an injectable form of meloxicam—is indicated for moderate to severe pain not specific to arthritis; it is sometimes prescribed along with oral NSAIDs to manage arthritis pain.
Steve Prezant / Getty Images
Uses
Arthritis is a group of rheumatic diseases that cause joint inflammation and related symptoms. Mobic reduces the production of inflammatory cells and proteins, which may reduce the inflammation and associated pain characteristic of arthritis. It’s typically prescribed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is characterized by a breakdown and thinning of the cartilage in your joints. This process generally occurs due to normal wear and tear that, with time, results in an inflammatory response that produces joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.
The most commonly affected joints are in the knees, hips, hands, wrists, elbows, and spine. Mobic reduces joint pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis but does not reduce the characteristic wear and tear or joint damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the joints. The inflammation causes swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. Over time, the inflammation can cause damage and deformities of any of the joints in the body.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
A condition that was formerly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), JIA begins before age 16. JIA is an autoimmune condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It may also be associated with rashes, inflammation of the eyes, fatigue, inflammation of internal organs, and problems with growth.
Mobic is used to treat oligoarthritis (four or fewer joints are affected) or polyarthritis (five or more joints are affected) forms of JIA in children 2 years of age or older.
Mobic might delay or reduce the joint damage resulting from RA and JIA, but it does not slow the progression of these autoimmune diseases.
Off-Label Uses
Meloxicam may also be prescribed off-label for other types of inflammatory conditions and pain, including fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
Before Taking
A healthcare provider may prescribe Mobic as a second-line treatment after lifestyle interventions (such as diet and exercise) and common over-the-counter pain medicines (such as acetaminophen or lower dose NSAIDs) have not offered enough relief from the symptoms.
If meloxicam is being considered, your practitioner will determine if Mobic is the best form of the drug for you or if an alternative brand would be better in your case.
For example, because Qmiiz ODT is a quick-dissolve tablet that disintegrates in the mouth, it may be better suited for those who prefer this delivery method or have problems swallowing medications.
If side effects are of particular concern in patients with osteoarthritis, Vivlodex gives patients the ability to start at a lower initial dose than Mobic.
Precautions and Contraindications
As Mobic can have severe and life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, your healthcare provider will want to take a full medical history before prescribing it to you.
They may also check your blood pressure and run blood tests—to check your cholesterol levels and kidney and liver function, for example—to evaluate if taking the medication may come with additional risks.
Certain medical circumstances can increase the risk of Mobic or even prohibit its use, including:
- Allergic reactions or asthma: Do not take meloxicam if you have hypersensitivity to meloxicam or if you’ve experienced asthma, urticaria (hives), or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions to NSAIDs can occur.
- Pending heart surgery: Do not take Mobic for pain prior to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- Cardiovascular events: NSAIDs may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Tell your healthcare provider if you’ve had a previous heart attack or stroke; have heart disease or a family history of heart disease; and if you smoke or have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, or diabetes.
- Fluid retention and edema: NSAIDs may lead to fluid retention and edema (swelling) in some people. Tell your practitioner if you have a history of edema or congestive heart failure.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding: NSAIDs can cause serious ulcers and bleeding or perforation (holes) in the stomach or intestine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of ulcers or GI bleeding, have a bleeding disorder, take oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants (blood thinners), or other NSAID therapies that can increase this risk.
- Kidney effects or advanced renal disease: Long-term use of NSAIDs may cause renal injury. Tell your practitioner if you have kidney disease/are on dialysis or if you take diuretics or ACE inhibitors, which can increase renal risks. Do not take meloxicam if you have advanced renal disease.
- Liver effects: NSAIDs may cause elevated levels on liver tests or, in rare cases, severe hepatic (liver) reactions, including jaundice, fatal fulminant hepatitis, liver necrosis, and liver failure. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver dysfunction or have had any abnormal liver tests.
- Skin reactions: NSAIDs can cause serious skin reactions, such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of skin reactions.
- Pregnancy: There are no adequately controlled studies of Mobic in pregnancy, but it passes the placental barrier, which poses risks to the developing fetus. Avoid NSAIDs after 30 weeks of gestation since they can cause premature closure of the fetus’s ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects major arteries before birth.
- Breastfeeding: Those who are nursing may not want to take Mobic, as it may be transferred to the baby via breast milk.
- Those trying to conceive: NSAIDs may cause delayed ovulation. Those who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing fertility treatment should avoid this drug.
The same is true for certain medications that can interact with Mobic and increase the risk of serious side effects. Your healthcare provider will weigh the pros and cons of your medication regimen and may consider changing your other prescriptions if you have to take Mobic.
Medications that can interact with Mobic include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Mobic may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs.
- Blood-thinning medications, such as Jantoven or Coumadin (warfarin): Both warfarin and meloxicam carry serious risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and other bleeding problems, which increases when taken with Mobic.
- Rheumatrex or Trexall (methotrexate): Mobic may reduce the elimination of methotrexate from the body, increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine): Mobic may increase the renal toxicity of Sandimmune.
- Diflunisal or Salsalate (salicylates): Mobic may enhance the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity when taken together with this drug.
- Pemetrexed: When taken with chemotherapy drug Pemetrexed, Mobic may cause kidney and gastrointestinal toxicity as well as reduced bone marrow activity.
- Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate): Do not use the Mobic oral suspension with Kayexalate. The sorbitol in the oral suspension combined with Kayexalate may increase the risk of intestinal necrosis, a breaking down of intestinal tissue, which can be fatal.
Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.
Dosage
Mobic tablets come in 7.5 and 15 milligrams (mg) strength. The oral suspension comes in a 7.5 mg per 5 milliliters (mL) strength. Because of potential side effects, it is recommended to take Mobic at the lowest effective daily dose and for the shortest possible duration.
For adults, it is started at 7.5 mg per day and can be increased to 15 mg per day if needed. The recommended dose for children is 0.125 mg per kilogram (kg) once daily, up to a maximum of 7.5 mg.
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right dose for you. Never increase your dose without your practitioner’s OK.
How to Take and Store
Mobic can be taken with or without food. If you have an upset stomach when you take it, you may want to time your dose to coincide with a meal. Shake the oral suspension before drinking it.
Mobic should be stored at 77 degrees F away from heat and moisture, but you can travel with it at temperatures ranging from 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep tablets in a tight container and keep the oral suspension container tightly closed. As with all medications, keep it out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; but if it’s close to your next dose, just skip the missed dose.
Signs of Overdose
Contact your healthcare provider and seek immediate medical attention if you have taken more than your prescribed dose of Mobic and are experiencing signs of an overdose, including:
- Drowsiness, lethargy
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pain below your ribs or upper abdomen
- Stomach pain
- Blood in stool
A large overdose can have more severe consequences, such as breathing problems, coma, convulsions, and heart attack.
Side Effects
As with all drugs, meloxicam comes with the risk of side effects. As some can be serious, it’s important to be aware of them when you begin taking the drug.
Common
Common side effects include:
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Severe
Severe and life-threatening adverse events can happen when taking this medication, such as allergic reactions, heart attack or stroke, stomach bleeding and ulceration, and kidney or liver failure.
Seek prompt medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms while taking Mobic:
- Severe stomach upset or pain
- Black or tarry stools
- High blood pressure
- Chest or back pain
- Weakness, falling
- Trouble speaking or confusion
- Asthma, hives, shortness of breath, or other allergic-like reactions
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Itching
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark or decreased urine output
- Fluid retention and swelling in the body
- Rash
- Skin peeling or itchiness
- Severe dehydration
Abnormal liver function tests or kidney function tests can also be signs of a severe complication.
Warnings and Interactions
While you are on Mobic, your healthcare provider may have you come in for periodic appointments to monitor blood pressure, liver, and kidney function and to run blood tests to check for anemia—a possible complication of long-term NSAID use.
There are also drug interactions that may increase the risk of certain side effects or require you to be monitored by your healthcare provider. Drug interactions can include:
- Aspirin: Taking these medications together may increase risks of side effects and complications, such as gastrointestinal ulcers.
- Lithobid (lithium): Mobic may increase lithium concentrations, so patients on both medications need to be monitored for lithium toxicity.
- Diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide) or thiazide: Certain effects of diuretics may be reduced in people who take Mobic, and patients on both medications need to be monitored for signs of renal failure.
Frequent alcohol use can increase the risk of side effects, so you should avoid it while taking Mobic.
A Word From Verywell
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis are chronic conditions. You may experience waxing and waning of your symptoms, and you might be able to decrease your medication dose for months or even years at a time.
If you have arthritis, it is important to remain active and to participate in therapy if your healthcare provider recommends it because muscle stiffness can lead to inactivity, which worsens the pain and overall health. Most people with arthritis are able to lead active and productive lives with proper treatment.
Mobic Tablets – MyDr.com.au
Meloxicam
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Mobic.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Mobic against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet was last updated on the date at the end of this leaflet. More recent information may be available. The latest Consumer Medicine Information is available from your pharmacist, doctor, or from www.medicines.org.au and may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What Mobic is used for
Mobic is used to treat the symptoms of:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Both diseases mainly affect the joints causing pain and swelling.
Although Mobic can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your condition. Mobic belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines work by relieving pain and inflammation.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Before you take Mobic
When you must not take it
Do not take Mobic if you have an allergy to:
- any medicine containing meloxicam
- any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
- aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not take Mobic if you:
- are about to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- have a disease of the heart with shortness of breath, and swelling of the feet or lips due to fluid build-up
- experience bleeding from the stomach, gut or any other bleeding
- had a stroke resulting from a bleed in the brain or have a bleeding disorder
- have a galactose intolerance
- have a peptic (stomach) ulcer
- have or have had inflammation of the lining of the stomach or bowel (e.g. Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
- have severe liver or kidney problems
- are currently taking the following medicines: fluconazole (used to treat fungal infections) or certain sulfur antibiotics (e.g. sulfamethoxazole).
Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine. The active ingredient in Mobic passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected.
Do not give this medicine to a child under the age of 18 years. Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 18 years have not been established.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, food, preservative or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- high blood pressure or fluid retention
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- heartburn, indigestion, ulcers or other stomach problems
- kidney or liver disease
- asthma or any other breathing problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Like most NSAID medicines, Mobic is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If there is a need to consider Mobic during your pregnancy, your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of using it.
Tell your doctor if you are using an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control. NSAID medicines, like Mobic, may decrease the effectiveness of IUDs.
Tell your doctor if you currently have an infection. Mobic may hide some of the signs of an infection. This may make you think, mistakenly, that you are better or that it is not serious.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Mobic.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Mobic may interfere with each other. These include:
- aspirin, salicylates or other NSAIDs
- medicines used to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin, heparin and ticlopidine)
- medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems (e.g. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists and diuretics, also called fluid or water tablets)
When taken together these medicines can cause kidney problems.
- lithium, a medicine used to treat some types of depression
- antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- methotrexate, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer
- ciclosporin, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and certain problems with the immune system
- terfenadine and astemizole, medicines used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of allergy, such as hay fever or insect stings
- medicines to treat diabetes
- colestyramine, a medicine used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood
- corticosteroids, medicines usually used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as skin rashes and asthma
- some medicines used to treat infections (e.g. erythromycin, sulfur antibiotics, ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- some medicines used to treat irregular heart beats (e.g. amiodarone and quinidine)
- pemetrexed, a medicine used in the treatment of certain lung cancers.
These medicines may be affected by Mobic or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take Mobic
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
How much to take
For the treatment of osteoarthritis
The usual dose of Mobic is 7.5 mg, taken as a single dose each day.
Depending on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment, your doctor may increase this dose to 15 mg taken as a single dose each day.
For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
The usual dose of Mobic is 15 mg taken as a single dose each day.
Depending on your response, your doctor may reduce this dose to 7.5 mg taken as a single dose each day.
The maximum recommended daily dose of Mobic is 15 mg.
For patients with kidney problems undergoing dialysis, the maximum recommended daily dose is 7.5 mg.
Ask your doctor for more information if you have been advised to take a different dose.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water.
When to take it
Take your medicine at about the same time each day. Ta
king it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
Take your medicine with or straight after food. This may help reduce the possibility of stomach upset.
How long to take it
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. This medicine helps control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 2-3 hours), skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Mobic. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- nausea and/or vomiting
- headache
- drowsiness and/or dizziness
- blurred vision
- fits or seizures
- low blood pressure
- difficulty in breathing
- impaired consciousness
- kidney failure.
While you are using Mobic
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Mobic.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking Mobic. Mobic can slow down blood clotting.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
If you get an infection while using Mobic, tell your doctor. Mobic may hide some of the signs of an infection (e.g. pain, fever, redness and swelling). You may think, mistakenly, that you are better or that the infection is not serious.
Things you must not do
Do not take Mobic to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Mobic affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Mobic. This medicine helps most people but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Not all of these side effects have been reported with Mobic but have been seen with similar medicines.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- stomach upset including: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, belching, cramps or pain
- headache
- flu-like symptoms, runny or blocked nose, cough, sore mouth or throat, discomfort when swallowing
- constipation, diarrhoea or wind
- dizziness or light-headedness
- skin rashes, which may be caused by exposure to sunlight, can blister and may take on the appearance of a severe burn, or itching
- increase in blood pressure
- tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. These side effects are usually mild.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- blurred vision
- any change in the amount or colour of your urine (red or brown) or any pain or difficulty experienced when urinating
- collapse or fainting, shortness of breath or tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, swollen or sore leg veins
- severe dizziness
- severe pain or tenderness in the stomach
- flaking of the skin
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice)
- swelling of your ankles, legs or other parts of your body
- signs of anaemia (such as: tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale)
- irritation of your mucous membranes (e.g. lips, mouth, eyes or genitals).
These are rare but serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Emergency at your nearest hospital:
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- bleeding from your back passage (rectum), black sticky motions (stools) or bloody diarrhoea
- swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may make swallowing or breathing difficult
- asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
- sudden or severe itching, skin rash or hives
- weakness in one part or side of your body, slurred speech, blurred vision or visual disturbances.
These are rare but very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.
After using Mobic
Storage
Keep your tablets or capsules in their pack until it is time to take them. If you take them out of the pack they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets or capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Mobic or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Mobic is the brand name of your medicine. It is available as tablets or capsules in two strengths.
- Mobic 7.5 mg tablets – pastel-yellow, round tablets, marked 59D on one side with break bar, and company logo on the other.
Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30, 60* and 100* tablets. - Mobic 15 mg tablets – pastel-yellow, round tablets, marked 77C on one side with break bar, and company logo on the other.
Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30, 60* and 100* tablets. - Mobic 7.5 mg capsules – pale green capsules.
Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30 and 100* capsules. - Mobic 15 mg capsules – pale yellow/pale green capsules.
Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30 and 100* capsules.
*Not distributed in Australia.
Ingredients
Active ingredient:
- Mobic 7.5 mg tablet or capsule – 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
- Mobic 15 mg tablet or capsule – 15 mg of meloxicam.
Inactive ingredients
:
Mobic tablets also contain:
- sodium citrate dihydrate
- lactose monohydrate
- microcrystalline cellulose
- povidone
- crospovidone
- colloidal anhydrous silica
- magnesium stearate.
Mobic capsules also contain:
- sodium citrate dihydrate
- lactose monohydrate
- maize starch
- magnesium stearate
- gelatin
- indigo carmine CI73015
- iron oxide yellow CI77492
- titanium dioxide
- purified water.
Mobic does not contain gluten or sucrose.
Supplier
Mobic is supplied in Australia by:
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM PTY LIMITED
ABN 52 000 452 308
78 Waterloo Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
This leaflet was revised in May 2017
® Mobic is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim.
© Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited 2017.
Australian Registration Number(s)
Mobic 7.5 mg tablets: AUST R 77694.
Mobic 15 mg tablets: AUST R 77695.
Mobic 7.5 mg capsules: AUST R 77698.
Mobic 15 mg capsules: AUST R 77699.
Published by MIMS September 2017
Safety and Efficacy of Meloxicam in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A 12-Week, Double-blind, Multiple-Dose, Placebo-Controlled Trial | Geriatrics | JAMA Internal Medicine
Background
Meloxicam (Mobic; Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, Conn) is an enolic acid derivative of the oxicam group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) whose mechanism of action may be related to prostaglandin (cyclooxygenase) synthetase inhibition. In previous studies, meloxicam has been found to be safe and effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) at doses of 7.5 to 15 mg daily. To evaluate a lower dose and a different patient population, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3 doses of meloxicam vs placebo and diclofenac for the treatment of OA among patients with symptom exacerbations.
Methods
In this double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, multicenter study, 774 patients with confirmed OA of the hip or knee and a flare were randomized and treated with daily oral administration of meloxicam tablets (at dosages of 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/d), diclofenac (100 mg [50 mg twice daily]), or placebo. Treatment was for 12 weeks, with regular assessments for drug safety and efficacy. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory data. Primary efficacy variables included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, the patient’s overall assessment of pain, and the patient’s and investigator’s overall assessment of disease activity.
Results
The incidence of all adverse events was lower at each dosage of meloxicam than for diclofenac but greater than for placebo. However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events and dropout rates because of such events was the same for meloxicam as for placebo and lower than for diclofenac. Meloxicam, at 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac were statistically significantly more effective than placebo for all end points, while the 3.75-mg/d dosage of meloxicam did not always reach statistical significance for all end points. Efficacy was evident after 2 weeks of treatment, improved with increasing doses, and was maintained until the end of the trial.
Conclusions
Meloxicam is a safe and effective medication for the symptomatic treatment of OA. The data support consideration of 7.5 to 15 mg of meloxicam once daily to treat the pain and stiffness of OA, with gastrointestinal tolerability comparable to that of placebo.
OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that, although radiologically detectable in a broad population, typically becomes symptomatic in the elderly. The prevalence of OA increases with age, resulting not only in considerable pain and disability, but also in substantial medical costs.1,2 In addition, the increases in indirect and nonmedical costs attributable to OA can approach those of rheumatoid arthritis, usually considered a more severe disease.3
Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain both on motion and at rest, stiffness after inactivity, impaired mobility, and inflammation, especially in the early stages. No specific cause has been identified and no cures are available; treatment is aimed at alleviation of symptoms. Symptomatic treatment may consist of nonpharmacologic as well as pharmacologic interventions, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).4,5
Use of NSAIDs has been associated with a risk of serious and life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as perforation and bleeding.6,7 Although these events are of great concern, they are uncommon. One study estimated the annual rate of hospitalizations for upper GI adverse events in OA patients taking NSAIDs to be 0.4%.7 Much more common are adverse effects such as dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting. While these adverse effects do not correlate with GI bleeding, they do impact the performance of daily functions and contribute to increased medical costs resulting from the need for additional physician visits and changes in medication.8
Meloxicam is an enolic acid derivative of the oxicam group of NSAIDs. It has been approved for use in more than 80 countries for the treatment of OA, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. In vitro and in vivo tests have shown that meloxicam is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor that demonstrates more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition at therapeutic concentrations.9,10 Its pharmacokinetic profile suggests good bioavailability with once-daily dosing.11 The drug is readily absorbed and widely distributed with no accumulation in any tissue. Steady-state plasma concentrations are reached after 3 to 5 days with administration of 7.5 and 15 mg/d, with a plasma elimination half-life of 20 hours. Meloxicam is extensively protein bound (99%) and is metabolized in the liver, with equal excretion of inactive metabolites in the urine and feces. In 6-month, double-blind trials, meloxicam, 15 mg/d, is comparable to piroxicam, 20 mg/d, and diclofenac, 100 mg/d.12,13
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3 dosages of meloxicam (3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/d) in comparison with placebo and an active comparator, diclofenac, in patients whose disease flared when their previous NSAID was withdrawn.
Patients enrolled in this study met the following criteria: current NSAID user at least 40 years of age, at least a 3-month history of OA of the knee or hip confirmed by x-ray and by clinical signs and symptoms, and pain on movement in the target joint. Main exclusionary criteria included, but were not limited to, prior intolerance of any NSAID, analgesic, or antipyretic; presence of aspirin hypersensitivity or any disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, could interfere with the evaluation of efficacy or safety; abnormal renal, hematologic, or hepatic function; history of a bleeding disorder or current therapy with an anticoagulant; recent (within 2 months) use of corticosteroids; treatment with intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid in the prior 3 months; long-term use of GI medications (H2-blockers, misoprostol, proton pump inhibitors) that could not be discontinued prior to participation; and history of narcotic and/or alcohol abuse. Patients with a history of upper GI perforations, ulcers, or peptic ulcer bleeding were not excluded unless the event had occurred within the 6 months prior to enrollment.
Subsequent to enrollment, an NSAID-free period of at least 3 days was initiated, during which demonstration of a flare was required. A flare was defined as a worsening of disease activity from initial screening that met the following criteria: at least 1 grade deterioration in the investigator’s global assessment of disease activity; an increase of 10 mm or greater on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) for the patient’s global assessment of disease activity; and an increase greater than 35 mm (on a 100-mm VAS) in the patient’s overall assessment of pain. Upon flare, the patient was scheduled for baseline evaluation and initiation of treatment. Once treatment was initiated, efficacy and safety evaluations were performed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks or at early termination.
Diclofenac was chosen as an active comparator to establish sensitivity of the efficacy end points based on its’ known efficacy and frequent clinical use. Diclofenac is considered to be well tolerated and has a favorable GI safety profile compared with other standard NSAIDs.7,14,15 A dosage of 100 mg/d (50 mg twice daily) was used since it is the recommended starting dosage for the treatment of OA. Meloxicam and placebo were given once in the morning after food, and diclofenac was administered in the morning and in the evening after food.
The trial was approved by the appropriate ethics committees and was conducted in accordance with the latest version of the Declaration of Helsinki and under the guidelines for good clinical practice. All patients gave written informed consent.
Tolerability and safety assessment
Tolerability was assessed by recording the incidence, duration, and intensity of all adverse events and patient withdrawals due to adverse events. For each adverse event, the investigator assessed whether or not the event was drug related. The need for treatment of the adverse event and the action taken with the study drug subsequent to the adverse event also were recorded. Safety was further assessed by vital signs, physical examinations, and clinical laboratory tests, including hematologic analysis and standard chemistry tests (uric acid, phosphorus, and calcium), serum creatinine levels, serum urea nitrogen levels, and both aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, to identify any effects on renal or hepatic function. In addition, a 24-hour urine collection was done prior to administering the first study medication and at the trial conclusion to determine the patient’s creatinine clearance.
Several primary and secondary variables were used to evaluate efficacy. Primary variables included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and the following flare criteria end points: patient’s and investigator’s global assessment of disease activity and patient’s overall assessment of pain.
The WOMAC index is based on Likert scales that allow the patient to self-evaluate the status of his or her condition.16 The assessment consists of 3 subscales (for pain, stiffness, and physical function), as well as a total score (ranging from 0 [best] to 96 [worst]). In addition to the WOMAC subscale for pain, the patient’s overall pain for the prior 24 hours was assessed using a 100-mm VAS (0, no pain; 100, worst pain).
A 100-mm VAS was also used in the patient’s global assessments of disease activity, with the best outcome fixed at 0 and the worst outcome fixed at 100. The investigator’s global assessment of disease activity used a 5-point verbal rating scale (ranging from 0 to 4: none, mild, moderate, severe, and very severe) and was performed after and blinded to the patient’s global assessment.
Secondary efficacy variables included assessment of pain both at rest and on movement for the previous 24 hours in the target joint. As in the primary efficacy end point for pain, a 100-mm VAS was used. Use of rescue medication (acetaminophen) was permitted, and the rate of consumption on treatment was included as a secondary efficacy variable. At 12 weeks or with early termination, a final global assessment of efficacy was performed by the patient and the investigator using a 4-point verbal rating scale (good, satisfactory, not satisfactory, and poor). In addition, the patient’s status with regard to the change in arthritic condition was determined by asking the patient to rate his or her current condition compared with the condition at the start of the trial as improved, unchanged, or deteriorated.
To establish the superiority of meloxicam over placebo, a type I error was maintained by comparing meloxicam, 15 mg/d, with placebo, and subsequently comparing meloxicam, 7.5 and 3.75 mg/d, with placebo if, and only if, the next highest dose was significantly better than placebo (P≤.05). It was determined that, to demonstrate efficacy differences between placebo and meloxicam at a significance level of P≤.05 with an overall power of 80%, a sample size of 700 patients (140 per treatment arm) would be required.
Safety and tolerability data were analyzed using χ2 analysis or the Fisher exact test on data regarding the rates of adverse events and the rates of patient withdrawals (overall and due to adverse events). Time to first GI adverse event was analyzed with log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier estimates.
Primary efficacy analyses were performed based on the intent-to-treat principle, including all treated patients with at least one on-treatment evaluation. Both the patient’s last visit assessment (last observation carried forward) and the weighted mean of all on-trial assessments were analyzed. Analysis of variance models, including treatment, target joint, and center, were used for all variables assessed by VAS, as well as for the WOMAC index (for pain, stiffness, physical function, and total score). These variables were analyzed as change from baseline (intensity of flare). Pairwise differences between the adjusted means for treatments were calculated along with P values and 2-sided 95% confidence intervals for these differences.
Secondary efficacy variables were also analyzed applying the intent-to-treat principle. For those variables assessed by VAS (pain on movement and pain at rest), analyses were performed using analysis of variance on data for change from baseline in a manner similar to that for the primary analyses. For rescue medication use, analysis of covariance was performed, with weekly average use as the dependent variable and use during flare as a covariate. The patients’ and investigators’ final global assessment of efficacy and the patients’ assessment of change in arthritic condition were analyzed using stratified rank sum test procedures, stratified by center. Time to early discontinuation (overall, for adverse events, and for lack of efficacy) was analyzed with log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Time to first GI adverse event was analyzed with adjustment for exposure by applying log-rank tests and the Kaplan-Meier algorithm.
Among a total of 1091 patients enrolled and screened by 61 study centers, 779 patients were randomized into the trial, and 774 patients initiated treatment. The demographic and disease characteristics were similar across the treatment groups (Table 1). The ratio of women to men was 2:1, and the mean ± SD age of the patient population was 62.9 ± 10.3 years; approximately 25% of the patients were at least 70 years of age. Duration of OA was greater than 5 years in more than 50% of the patients. Osteoarthritis of the knee was more prevalent as the target joint (82% of patients) than OA of the hip. Almost 90% of patients had OA in more than 1 joint. The mean total duration of prior NSAID use ranged from 3.8 to 4.1 years.
Among the randomized groups, 5 patients took no trial medication and 5 patients were lost to follow-up before any post-baseline efficacy evaluations could be performed; they are therefore excluded from the efficacy evaluation (n = 769). However, all patients who were randomized and received at least 1 dose of trial medication are included in the safety evaluation (n = 774).
The incidence of all adverse events was comparable among the 3 meloxicam groups (58.4%, 55.8% and 57.7% for 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/d, respectively) and was higher than in the placebo group (47.8%) and lower than in the diclofenac group (66.0%). Meloxicam did not demonstrate any dose-dependent increase in total adverse events or adverse events grouped by preferred terms (Table 2) based on the World Health Organization adverse event coding thesaurus (World Health Organization Adverse Event Dictionary, September 1995).
Gastrointestinal adverse events were the most frequently reported events by system organ class (Table 2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of GI adverse events between the placebo and meloxicam groups, including the pooled meloxicam group, which differed from the placebo group by less than 2% (χ2, P>.70). There were significantly more patients with GI adverse events in the diclofenac group than in the placebo group (χ2, P = .02). After Kaplan-Meier adjustments for dropout rates, estimated 12-week GI adverse event rates were 18% for meloxicam, 15 mg/d; 21% for placebo and meloxicam, 3.75 and 7.5 mg/d; and 30% for diclofenac (Figure 1). Log-rank tests indicated that meloxicam was significantly different from diclofenac (P = .02) but not from placebo (P = .95). Other adverse effects, such as headache, rash, and edema, were not significantly different between any of the meloxicam, placebo, and diclofenac groups (P>.05 for all events; data not shown).
Withdrawals due to adverse events over the 12-week period were similar among the meloxicam and diclofenac groups (7% to 9%) and were not significantly different than for the placebo group (3.8%) (P>.50) (Table 3). Kaplan-Meier estimates of withdrawal due to adverse events are 8% to 10% for the active drugs and 7% for placebo (Table 4). Likewise, the percentage of withdrawals as a result of GI adverse events was similar among the meloxicam groups (3.2%, 3.2%, and 3.8%, respectively, for 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/d) and the diclofenac group (4.6%) and not significantly different from the placebo group (1.3%).
The incidence of serious adverse events was similar among the meloxicam and diclofenac groups (<3%) and was slightly higher than for patients receiving placebo (1.3%; P>.05). A serious adverse event was defined as any fatal or immediately life-threatening clinical experience or disabling event, or one that required prolonged inpatient hospitalization, whether or not it was judged to be related to treatment. Only 1 GI event was considered to be a serious adverse event and also thought to be related to study medication. A patient receiving meloxicam, 15 mg/d, with a history of intermittent diverticulitis experienced GI bleeding 17 days after beginning therapy that was believed to be because of active diverticulosis as diagnosed by colonoscopy. There was 1 death in this trial, in the 3.75-mg/d meloxicam group, that was a result of coronary insufficiency and was deemed by the treating physician not to be related to treatment. There were no reported occurrences of upper GI tract perforations, ulcerations, or peptic ulcer bleedings in any of the treatment groups.
There were no statistically significant changes in mean laboratory values in any of the active treatment groups compared with placebo. There was a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase mean values with diclofenac that was not observed in the meloxicam treatment groups or the placebo group.
Baseline values (flare) were similar across all treatment groups for each efficacy end point and demonstrated worsening from the values recorded at screening during prior NSAID use. At the end of treatment, all treatment groups had improved from their flare disease state, demonstrating significant improvement (P<.001) from baseline. Efficacy of meloxicam and diclofenac became evident early in treatment (2 weeks) (Figure 2). Efficacy is evident by 28 days in comparing the withdrawals due to lack of efficacy in the placebo group with the withdrawals in the meloxicam and diclofenac treatment groups (Table 4). The difference between the 3.75-mg/d meloxicam dosage and the higher dosages of meloxicam is also clear, with a withdrawal rate of 18% in the 3.75-mg/d group and a 9% withdrawal rate in the 7.5- and 15-mg/d groups. Overall, patients in the meloxicam and diclofenac groups had statistically significantly lower rates of withdrawal for lack of efficacy than the placebo group (41%): 18%, 17%, and 12% for meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac, respectively (P<.001), and 31% for meloxicam, 3.75 mg/d (P<.01). Withdrawal rates due to lack of efficacy were also significantly lower for meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and for diclofenac than for meloxicam, 3.75 mg/d (P<.01). Both meloxicam and diclofenac produce symptomatic reductions to below pre-flare levels, while placebo patients are less successful in recovering from NSAID withdrawal (Figure 2).
The WOMAC index consists of a total score and 3 subscales for pain, physical function, and stiffness. At the final visit (Figure 3 and Table 5) and for on-treatment weighted means (data not shown), meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac were significantly superior to placebo for all WOMAC efficacy parameters. Meloxicam exhibited dose-dependent efficacy that was most pronounced for the WOMAC pain and stiffness subscales and was reflected in the total WOMAC score (Figure 3). The 3.75-mg/d dosage of meloxicam proved superior to placebo only for the WOMAC stiffness subscale at the final assessment.
Similar results were obtained for the patient’s overall assessment of pain and the patient’s global assessment of disease activity. Meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac demonstrated significant improvement over placebo (P<.005) for patient’s overall assessment of pain, and all active treatment groups were statistically significantly better than placebo in the patient’s overall assessment of disease activity (P<.05 for meloxicam, 3.75 mg/d, and P<.001 for diclofenac and meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d) (Table 5).
At baseline, 60% of patients were rated as having severe or very severe disease activity by the investigator’s assessment of disease activity. At the final visit, the proportion of patients with severe or very severe disease activity in the meloxicam, 7.5- and 15-mg/d, groups (12% and 13%, respectively) and in the diclofenac group (15%) was approximately half that in the placebo group (30%) (P<.01 for all comparisons with placebo).
Results for secondary efficacy variables were consistent with those observed for the primary variables. For pain on movement, both meloxicam at 7.5 mg and 15 mg/d and diclofenac demonstrated significantly better efficacy than placebo (P<.01), and for pain at rest, all 3 meloxicam dosages were significantly better than placebo (P≤.001 for meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac; and P<.05 for meloxicam, 3.75 mg/d.
For both patient’s and investigator’s final global assessment of efficacy, the 7.5- and 15-mg/d dosages of meloxicam and diclofenac were statistically significantly superior to placebo for all comparisons (data not shown). The mean rate of consumption of rescue medication on treatment was significantly lower (P<.05) in all the meloxicam groups compared with placebo (12.0 tablets per week for placebo and 9.7, 8.5, and 8.4 tablets per week for meloxicam 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/d, respectively). When patients were asked to evaluate their change in disease status with respect to the start of the trial, the percentage of patients reporting improvement increased as the dosage of meloxicam increased (29.7%, 37.9%, 47.7%, 55.8%, and 57.9% for placebo; meloxicam, 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/d; and diclofenac, respectively). The greatest percentage of patients reporting unchanged or deteriorated arthritic activity was in the placebo and 3.75-mg/d meloxicam groups. However, the 3.75-mg/d meloxicam group was still statistically significantly superior to placebo for this end point (P<.05), as were the 2 higher dosages of meloxicam (P<.001). A comparison of the end point values with the values at screening (prior to previous NSAID washout) for the efficacy variables shows that the magnitude of patient improvement with meloxicam is at least equal to that of the observed flare. Figure 2 shows the patient’s overall assessment of pain at screening, at baseline (flare), and during the course of treatment until the end of the trial (last observation carried forward). Similar results were obtained for other efficacy variables.
Meloxicam, 7.5 and 15 mg/d, proved to be effective, safe, and well tolerated for the treatment of OA and was statistically superior to placebo and similar to diclofenac for all primary and secondary efficacy parameters. Moreover, the uniform incidence of GI adverse events across the meloxicam dosage groups was similar to that for placebo and lower than that for diclofenac.
Among patients taking NSAIDs, GI adverse events, such as dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting, can add considerably to the cost of treatment.17,18 These adverse effects, though not predictive of more serious GI injury,19-21 lead to treatment interruptions and drug switching22-24 and add to treatment costs when additional physician visits or concomitant medications are required.9 In one study, the incidence of dyspepsia was approximately 16% in NSAID users,22 and it has been suggested that the incidence may be as high as 50% to 60%25,26 depending upon other factors.
In this study, patients were generally elderly (approximately 25% of the patients were ≥70 years of age) and on average had used NSAIDs for about 4 years. In addition, 8% of the patient population had a history of peptic ulcer bleedings of the upper GI tract. Therefore, this population is not highly selected and should be fairly representative of the OA population.
The safety and tolerability of meloxicam in this 12-week trial are consistent with the results of 2 European trials that directly compared the safety and tolerability of meloxicam, 7.5 mg/d, with diclofenac, 100 mg/d, and piroxicam, 20 mg/d, in 17,979 patients during a 1-month course of treatment, the standard of care for OA in Europe.27,28 In those 2 studies, meloxicam demonstrated significantly better tolerability than these NSAIDs. Other comparative European trials have demonstrated both of these meloxicam doses to be effective in comparison with diclofenac and piroxicam for the treatment of OA, in some trials for as long as 6 months.12,13,29,30
The lowest dosage of meloxicam, 3.75 mg/d, reached statistical significance vs placebo for pain at rest and for patient’s assessment of disease activity.
The WOMAC index was designed as a self-administered health status instrument and has been validated specifically for assessment of OA.16 This tool is especially useful since it is very effective at differentiating treatment effects. A meloxicam dose-response relationship was observed for all 4 WOMAC end points and was especially apparent for the pain and stiffness subscales, as pain and stiffness are the 2 symptoms that most affect and limit functionality. There was a corresponding improvement in the patient’s overall assessment of pain; as the meloxicam dosage increased, however, a clear dose response was not observed as in the WOMAC pain subscale.
In conclusion, the data reported herein confirm and extend previous data showing that meloxicam at dosages of 7.5 to 15 mg/d is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for OA. Meloxicam demonstrated efficacy with no dose response for GI tolerability-related adverse events, thus allowing for flexibility of dosing.
Accepted for publication July 5, 2000.
This study was supported by a grant from Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, Conn, a manufacturer of meloxicam (Mobic).
We are grateful to all the study coordinators at the participating sites; special thanks to Theresa Riccio and Rita Purvis, whose contributions were invaluable during this trial.
Meloxicam Osteoarthritis Investigators: Roy Altman, MD, Miami, Fla; Andrew Baldassare, MD, St Louis, Mo; Richard Bath, MD, Cincinnati, Ohio; Scott Baumgartner, MD, Spokane, Wash; Charles Birbara, MD, Worcester, Mass; Bruce Blatt, MD, Philadelphia, Pa; Joel Block, MD, Chicago, Ill; Robert Boyd, MD, Columbia, SC; Robert Brewer, MD, Little Rock, Ark; Jacques Caldwell, MD, Gainesville, Fla; Walter Chase, MD, Austin, Tex; Andrew Chubick, MD, Dallas, Tex; Chris Codding, MD, Oklahoma City, Okla; Julian Colton, MD, St Petersburg, Fla; Paul Dalgin, MD, Stamford, Conn; Frederick Dietz, MD, Rockford, Ill; Margarita Nunez, MD, St Petersburg, Fla; Roy Fleischmann, MD, Dallas, Tex; Charles Franklin, MD, Willow Grove, Pa; Larry Gilderman, DO, Pembroke Pines, Fla; Edward Gillie, MD, Fort Myers, Fla; Oscar Gluck, MD, Phoenix, Ariz; Allan Goldman, MD, Milwaukee, Wis; Richard Gordon, MD, Mercerville, NJ; Maria Greenwald, MD, Rancho Mirage, Calif; Brian Grimmett, MD, Cherry Hill, NJ; Maria Guttierrez, MD, Boynton Beach, Fla; Edward Harris, MD, Whittier, Calif; Scott Heatley, MD, PhD, Redwood, Calif; Lynn Hopkins, MD, Winter Park, Fla; Maria Jurado, MD, Boynton Beach, Fla; Jeffrey Kaine, MD, Sarasota, Fla; Alastair Kennedy, MD, Melborne, Fla; Brian Keroack, MD, Portland, Me; Alan Kivitz, MD, Altoona, Pa; Karen Kolba, MD, Santa Maria, Calif; Theodore Lefton, MD, Winter Park, Fla; Charles Ludivico, MD, Bethlehem, Pa; James McKay, DO, Tulsa, Okla; George McLaughlin, MD, Norristown, Pa; Kenneth Miller, MD, Danbury, Conn; Brent Mohr, MD, South Bend, Ind; Carter Multz, MD, San Jose, Calif; Thomas O’Barr, MD, Marietta, Ga; Howard Offenberg, MD, Daytona Beach, Fla; Theodore Pincus, MD, Nashville, Tenn; Malin Prupas, MD, Reno, Nev; Joseph Ragno, MD, Maitland, Fla; Peter Ripley, MD, South Yarmouth, Mass; Sanford Roth, MD, Phoenix, Ariz; Joel Rutstein, MD, San Antonio, Tex; Thomas Schnitzer, MD, PhD, Chicago, Ill; Douglas Schumacher, MD, Columbus, Ohio; Yvonne Sherrer, MD, Boca Raton, Fla; David Silver, MD, Beverly Hills, Calif; Joel Silverfield, MD, Tampa, Fla; Michael Strachan, MD, Richmond, Va; Nina Stuccio-White, MD, Marlton, NJ; Martin Throne, MD, Atlanta, Ga; Daniel Wallace, MD, Los Angeles, Calif; Louise Taber, MD, Peoria, Ariz; David Yocum, MD, Tucson, Ariz; Muhammad Yunus, MD, Peoria, Ill; Steven Zeig, MD, Ft Lauderdale, Fla.
Reprints: David Yocum, MD, Arthritis Center, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, PO Box 245093, Tucson, AZ 85724-5018 (e-mail: [email protected]).
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Meloxicam – an active substance and its effect on the body
Meloxicam Use Contraindications Indications Complications Combination
Meloxicam belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. It is used to treat a large number of inflammatory diseases, especially in the treatment of joint diseases.
Meloxicam for relieving pain and inflammation: mechanism of action and method of obtaining
Meloxicam blocks an enzyme that plays a key role in the synthesis of prostaglandins – substances that trigger the inflammatory process and reduce the threshold of pain sensitivity.Prostaglandins also protect the stomach and intestinal mucosa from ulcerative processes. Meloxicam selectively acts on the formation of prostaglandins, which appear only during inflammation, and therefore causes fewer side effects from the digestive system compared to the so-called “traditional” or non-selective NSAIDs.
Meloxicam has been used in medical practice since the end of the 20th century. At the same time, it is worth mentioning separately that the profile of its efficacy and safety was established taking into account the requirements of modern evidence-based medicine in numerous clinical studies, in which tens of thousands of patients took part.Of all the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the mechanisms of formation of inflammatory mediators, it is meloxicam that is often recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis) and other joint diseases. Since its inception, this substance has been used in most countries of the world, and wide clinical practice has confirmed the effectiveness of pain therapy with a minimal risk of adverse reactions for this group of drugs.
It is produced in different dosage forms: tablets, solution for intramuscular injections, rectal suppositories, cream and gel for external use.All of them have the same indications – the doctor chooses the most suitable option, based on the characteristics of the patient’s illness, the presence of other diseases. Creams and gels are one of the most optimal options for local anesthesia, since such use does not cause pain and practically does not have systemic side effects from the gastrointestinal tract, as, for example, when taking oral anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of capsules or tablets.
The process of obtaining meloxicam is a multi-stage chemical synthesis of a substance that does not exist in nature.Meloxicam is rarely used as an antipyretic agent, mainly used to relieve inflammation and joint pain.
Use of meloxicam for joint pain
The main area of application of meloxicam is joint diseases: all types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and gout, ankylosing spondylitis, as well as myalgia, neuralgia, osteochondrosis. Due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, it relieves pain well, relieves swelling, restoring joint mobility.At the same time, meloxicam, unlike some anti-inflammatory drugs, is chondroneutral: it does not destroy cartilage and does not suppress the activity of chondrocytes, substances that ensure its renewal.
Meloxicam stops the development of inflammation, improves the patient’s well-being: pain disappears, swelling subsides, movement in the joint is restored, but this is only symptomatic treatment. At the same time, it does not affect the main cause of the disease, therefore, it usually cannot be the main and only component of therapy.For example, it is impossible to treat osteoarthritis without repairing damaged cartilage or gout without drugs that lower the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Often, in the treatment of joint diseases, general (tablets, injections, suppositories) and local therapy with meloxicam are used sequentially. Creams and gels applied to the damaged area ensure the delivery of the active substance to the inflammation focus, while it practically does not enter the systemic circulation, that is, it does not cause side effects.However, for full therapy, higher and constant concentrations of the drug in the body are needed, for this it is prescribed by mouth or in injections.
Contraindications
It should be noted that the local use of meloxicam in the form of a cream, as in Teraflex Chondrocrem Forte, is limited only in case of possible allergic reactions, skin damage at the site of intended application, pregnancy and lactation, as well as age up to 12 years.
Special instructions
To date, there are no large studies on the use of the drug in children under 12 years of age.Adults are usually prescribed a minimum dosage of 7.5 mg per day; if the effect is insufficient, it is increased to 15 mg. The standard course of treatment with meloxicam, according to experts’ recommendations, should be minimal in time and dose, long-term use increases the risk of side effects.
Meloxicam in the form of gels and creams has a high safety profile. Local application of the drug practically does not provide systemic absorption of the active substance into the bloodstream, therefore, the drug can be used 2-3 times a day for up to 2 weeks, after which, if the inflammation persists, you should consult a doctor.
Side effects and complications
The use of meloxicam in wide clinical practice, including in the framework of long-term therapy, has yielded positive results. It is very important to emphasize that in patients prone to cardiovascular risk (including due to old age), meloxicam has confirmed its analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy with a relatively low risk of adverse reactions.
Taking meloxicam in oral form (tablets or capsules) has a number of side effects from both the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system and other functions.At the same time, the external use of meloxicam in the form of a cream, gel or ointment makes an overdose almost impossible, since the systemic ingestion of the substance into the body is insignificant.
Combination with chondroitin
There are also successful combinations of meloxicam with other drugs.
Acceptability | Criteria: Inclusion criteria: – non-smoking men or women with a minimum age of 18 years (i.e.E. Non-smokers or non-smokers). tobacco smoker at least 90 days prior to the pre-test medical examination). – Body mass index (BMI = weight / height²) is greater than or equal to 18.5 kg / m² and less than 29.9 kg / m². – The presence of the subject for the entire period of study and the willingness to adhere to the protocol requirements, as evidenced by the signed informed consent form. – Normal physical examination results, 12-lead ECG and vital signs (blood pressure 100-140 / 60-90 mmHg)Art., pulse rate 50-99 beats / min, temperature from 35.8 ° C to 37.5 ° C). – Negative for drugs, nicotine, alcohol, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C and HIV, and for women – pregnancy (serum ß-CG). – There are no clinical laboratory values outside the acceptable range defined by the BCR, unless the Principal Investigator determines they are not clinically relevant. – Female subjects who have been sterile surgically for at least six months or are postmenopausal.for at least one year, or who will avoid pregnancy before the study, during the study, and for up to one month after the end of the study. Exclusion criterion: – Known history of hypersensitivity to meloxicam (eg Mobic®) or related drugs such as any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetylsalicylic acid (eg Excedrin®, Aspirin®), ibuprofen (eg Motrin®) , celecoxib (e.g. Celebrex®), Feldene®, Indocin®, Naprosyn®, Vioxx®, Toradol®, Clinoril®, Tolectin® or Lodin®.- Known history or presence of cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurologic, hematologic or liver disease, unless otherwise determined to be clinically relevant to the principal investigator or appointed physician. – Any history or presence of peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or kidney disease. disease. – A history or presence of food allergies or any condition known to interfere with the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of drugs.- Any clinically significant illness within the last four weeks prior to enrollment in the study. – The presence of any significant physical or internal abnormalities. – Any subject with a history of drug abuse. – Any mental or psychological illness (including depression) that is not considered clinically relevant to the principal investigator or designated physician. – Use of any prescription medication within 14 days prior to enrollment in this study. – Use of over-the-counter medications within seven days of enrollment (excluding spermicidal / barrier contraceptives).- Women: use of oral contraceptives or contraceptive implants (for example, Norplant®) within 30 days before the administration of the drug or depot injection of the progestogen drug (for example, Depo-Provera®) for one year before taking the drug. – Women: being pregnant or breastfeeding. – Women at risk of becoming pregnant must consent to the use of two medically acceptable methods of contraception throughout the study, including the washout period and within one month after completion of the study.barrier methods of contraception that can be used by the subject and / or partner include a diaphragm with a spermicide, an IUD, a foam condom, and a vaginal spermicide suppository. Complete abstinence can be used as a method of contraception. – Any subject from whom blood was drawn within 56 days prior to this study during any clinical study conducted at a facility other than BCR, or within the lockout period specified in a previous study conducted at BCR.- Participation in a clinical trial of an investigational drug within 30 days prior to that study. – Any subject who donated blood within the 56 days prior to this study. – Any subject who has participated as a plasma donor in a plasmapheresis program in the seven days prior to this study. – Any subject with a recent history of (less than one year) abuse of alcohol. – Significant or recent history of asthma (after 12 years) or family history of asthma or asthma sensitive to aspirin, severe bronchospasm, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis.- Intolerance to venipuncture. … Floor: All Minimum age: 18 years old Maximum age: N / A Healthy volunteers: Accepts healthy volunteers |
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Mobic 15 mg 10 tablets – Russian Pharmacy in Egypt
Trade name:
Mobic
Mobic
Ingredients:
Each tablet contains: Meloxicam – 15 mg.
Properties:
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Readings:
Short-term symptomatic treatment of exacerbation of osteoarthritis. Long-term symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Application method:
Inside, tablets are taken with water 1 time per day, with meals.The drug should be prescribed in the shortest possible courses and in the smallest effective doses. With osteoarthritis – 7.5 mg / day. If ineffective, the dose may be increased to 15 mg / day. With rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis – 15 mg / day. After achieving a therapeutic effect, the dose can be reduced to 7.5 mg / day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 15 mg. The recommended dose for elderly patients is 7.5 mg per day. In patients with an increased risk of side effects, as well as in patients with severe renal failure on hemodialysis, the dose should not exceed 7.5 mg / day.
Contraindications:
Children under 16; hypersensitivity to meloxicam, aspirin, other NSAIDs or any component of the drug; exacerbation of gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer, gastric bleeding; condition after coronary artery bypass grafting; severe renal failure; pregnancy and lactation.
Precautions:
May cause severe allergic reactions: facial edema, asthma, shock, skin redness, rash, blisters; especially in people who are allergic to aspirin.In this case, you should stop taking the drug. Use with caution in patients with phenylketonuria, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases (risk of inflammation, bleeding, ulceration and perforation of the stomach or intestines). Consult a specialist before use. Do not use before or after heart surgery.
Side effects:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract (latent or overt), hepatitis, colitis, stomatitis, dry mouth, belching; tachycardia, increased blood pressure; exacerbation of bronchial asthma, cough; headache, dizziness, tinnitus; sleep disturbance, vertigo; swelling, urinary tract infection, kidney failure; conjunctivitis, blurred vision; itching, skin rash, urticaria; anemia; allergic reactions; fever.
Storage method:
Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 C, protected from light and out of reach of children.
Packing:
Cardboard pack contains 1 blister of 10 tablets, paper instructions.
Meloxicam tablets – Veterinary drugs
Description :
Pharmacological properties : Meloxicam belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.The mechanism of action of the drug is to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins (mediators of the inflammatory reaction) from arachidonic acid, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase. It has a pro-inflammatory, anelgesic and antipyretic effect.
Indications for use : Meloxicam is used for myositis, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, tendovaginitis, neuritis, articular and muscular rheumatism, as well as for pain caused by damage to peripheral nerves in cattle, calves, goats, sheep and pigs.The drug is used as an analgesic for postpartum complications (paresis), in combination with general therapeutic agents. The use of meloxicam is highly effective in inflammatory processes of the udder, especially in the late stages of development of mastitis (catarrhal, fibrinous, purulent), in parallel, the cause that caused the mastitis should be eliminated, and in the presence of pathogenic microflora, antibiotic therapy should be prescribed. The drug is used in the treatment of inflammatory processes of various etiology and localization, as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.
Contraindications : It is not recommended to use the drug in conjunction with sulfonamides and diuretics. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspepsia) are possible, which disappear after the completion of the course of treatment. Do not use the drug for the treatment of newborn animals.
Dosage and method of administration : Preparation ….
Caution : Meat of animals forced to be killed before the deadline can be used for feeding carnivores or for the production of meat and bone meal.After heat treatment, milk is used only for feeding animals.
Release form : tablets in packaging of 20 pieces weighing 2 or 8 mg each
Storage : The drug is stored in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15 ° C – 25 ° C.
Expiry date : 2 years
Movalis – quickly relieves pain and relieves the condition
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IS THIS TOOL REALLY NECESSARY?
In order to answer this question, it is enough to study the data on the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to experts, this problem is faced by 10 to 30% of the adult population worldwide. Among people aged 60 years, this pathology is even more common.Almost 50% of the population is diagnosed with joint diseases. And with such acute conditions as sciatica and lumbago, almost every person encounters during life.
With exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis, acute lumbago and sciatica, severe pain appears, which requires the appointment of drugs that quickly eliminate pain and alleviate the patient’s condition. Such properties are inherent in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which quickly eliminate pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect.Moreover, during the first days of the disease, it is preferable to prescribe parenteral dosage forms of NSAIDs, which have not only a relatively rapid onset of action, but also have a certain psychotherapeutic effect.
INJECTION INJECTION ROSN
Until recently, on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, NSAIDs for parenteral administration were represented only by non-selective COX inhibitors – diclofenac, piroxicam, etc. Meloxicam for intramuscular administration is the first and only drug of a selective COX-2 inhibitor on the world pharmaceutical market intended for parenteral administration.Due to the peculiarities of the mechanism of action, selective COX-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause the development of side effects from the digestive tract. The results of the studies carried out indicate that the overall tolerance of meloxicam is better compared to piroxicam and diclofenac [10, 11]. However, for intramuscular administration, such an indicator as the local tolerance of the drug is also important.
When NSAIDs are administered intramuscularly, soreness, induration, inflammation and, in some cases, tissue necrosis at the injection site are often possible.
CREATINPHOSPHOKINASE AND MELOXICAM
To assess the tolerance of intramuscular injections, an indicator such as the level of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the blood serum, which characterizes local tissue damage at the injection site, is used.
The reason for the increase in the level of CPK with intramuscular injections is chemotoxicity, stimulation of the release of histamine and muscle injury [1]. After intramuscular administration of some traditionally used NSAIDs, a significant increase in the level of CPK was revealed [2, 8].It was reported an increase in the level of CPK compared with the baseline by an average of 147% when using piroxicam and 922% – diclofenac [2]. Local tolerance of meloxicam, injected intramuscularly, was good both in healthy volunteers and in patients, local reactions and significant fluctuations in the level of CPK in the blood were not observed. These data confirm the results of experimental studies, during which in rabbits receiving intramuscular injections of diclofenac and piroxicam, there were cases of muscle tissue necrosis at the injection site, while the introduction of meloxicam was not accompanied by the development of necrosis [3].
To determine changes in the level of CPK after intramuscular administration of meloxicam, studies were carried out on volunteers [5–9]. When the drug was administered at doses of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg, no increase in the CPK level was found (Fig. 1).
Analysis of the results of a comparative study of meloxicam and piroxicam, conducted with the participation of volunteers, indicates that in patients receiving piroxicam intramuscularly, there was a significant increase in the level of CPK in the blood by 59% compared with the initial values, and with the same route of administration of meloxicam, the level KFK remained unchanged [8].These data confirm the results of evaluating the local tolerance of intramuscular injections of meloxicam in other clinical studies, which were characterized as very good. Moreover, according to the assessment of doctors and patients in a comparative study with piroxicam with intramuscular administration of meloxicam, in general, significantly less local hyperemia and better local tolerance were noted (Fig. 2) [8].
In two comparative studies with intramuscular administration of piroxicam at a dose of 20 mg, the overall tolerance of intramuscular administration of meloxicam (at a dose of 15 mg) (as assessed by doctors and patients) in most patients was characterized as “very good” [4, 8].There were no significant differences in the incidence of side effects between the two studies. The incidence of side effects from the digestive tract was low, with no significant differences between patients receiving piroxicam and meloxicam [7, 8].
THE RIGHT PRODUCT AT THE RIGHT TIME
The appearance on the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market of MOVALIS for intramuscular injection did not coincide with the autumn season – a period of exacerbations of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and rheumatic diseases.Indeed, it was at this time that drugs intended for the quick and effective relief of pain syndrome are in special demand among the population. MOVALIS for intramuscular administration is especially indicated for patients with acute rheumatic fever, sciatica and lumbago. Intramuscular administration of MOVALIS is an alternative to the traditional use of non-selective NSAIDs, since the drug not only quickly eliminates pain syndrome, but also, due to selective inhibition of COX-2, is well tolerated.
Based on materials provided by the representative office of Boehringer Ingelheim in Ukraine
REFERENCES | |
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Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet in English – Item
Can Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet be used for osteoarthritis and muscle pain?
Yes, osteoarthritis and muscle pain are among the most common reported uses for Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet.Please do not use Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet for osteoarthritis and muscle pain without consulting first with your doctor. Click here and view the survey results to find out exactly how other users are using Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy equipment while using this product?
If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, or headache while taking Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet, you may need to stop driving and heavy industrial equipment.You should stop driving if taking the drug makes you drowsy, dizzy, or hypotensive. Doctors recommend to stop drinking alcohol with such drugs, because alcohol significantly increases side effects and drowsiness. Please check your body’s response while taking Mobic Tablet / Mobic Tablet. Be sure to contact your healthcare professional for advice based on your body and overall health.
Is this medication (product) addictive or addictive?
Most drugs are not addictive or addictive.