Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Doctors prescribe it to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It works by blocking certain chemicals in your body that cause inflammation.

This medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily. Meloxicam is a longer-acting NSAID, which means it stays in your system longer than medications like ibuprofen. This allows for once-daily dosing in most cases. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to manage your symptoms.

Regular monitoring of kidney function is important while taking meloxicam. NSAIDs can affect how your kidneys work, especially with long-term use. Blood tests help your doctor ensure the medication is safe for you to continue taking.

• Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 2 and older
• Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis affecting the spine
• Pain and inflammation from various musculoskeletal conditions

Meloxicam works by blocking an enzyme in your body called cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2. This enzyme produces prostaglandins, which are chemicals that trigger inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, meloxicam decreases swelling in your joints and tissues. This helps relieve pain and improves mobility.

The medication preferentially targets COX-2 over COX-1, which may reduce some gastrointestinal side effects. However, it still affects both enzymes to some degree. The anti-inflammatory effects typically begin within a few days, but full benefits may take 2 to 4 weeks of regular use.

The typical starting dose for adults with osteoarthritis is 7.5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase this to 15 mg once daily if needed. For rheumatoid arthritis, the usual dose is 7.5 mg once daily, sometimes increased to 15 mg daily. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis receive doses based on body weight, typically 0.125 mg per kg once daily, up to 7.5 mg maximum. Your doctor determines your exact dose based on your condition, response to treatment, and other health factors. Always take meloxicam exactly as prescribed.

• Upset stomach, nausea, or indigestion
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Gas or bloating
• Dizziness or headache
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
• Cold or flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include signs of stomach bleeding like black or bloody stools, chest pain or shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, severe skin reactions, or signs of liver problems like yellowing skin or eyes. NSAIDs can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious stomach or intestinal problems. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any concerning symptoms.

• Blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban may increase bleeding risk
• Other NSAIDs including aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen increase side effect risk
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs for blood pressure may work less effectively
• Diuretics, or water pills, may lose effectiveness and increase kidney problems
• Lithium levels may increase to dangerous levels
• Methotrexate toxicity may increase when combined with NSAIDs
• Corticosteroids like prednisone increase risk of stomach ulcers
• SSRIs and SNRIs for depression may increase bleeding risk
• Avoid alcohol as it increases stomach bleeding risk

Regular kidney function monitoring is essential while taking meloxicam. Your doctor will check your creatinine and eGFR, which measure how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and potentially cause kidney damage, especially with long-term use. Testing is typically done before starting meloxicam and periodically during treatment, often every 3 to 6 months or more frequently if you have existing kidney problems. Your doctor may also monitor your blood pressure, liver function, and complete blood count to check for anemia or other blood-related issues. If you have heart disease or risk factors, additional cardiovascular monitoring may be needed.