Meloxicam helps relieve pain and inflammation. It is used to provide relief in pain associated with joint disorders such as osteoarthritis (a joint disorder where the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones wears down causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles), and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of your spine).
Meloxicam may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Meloxicam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Meloxicam is available as a conventional tablet or capsule, orodispersible tablet, or oral suspension.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, take it with a full glass of water.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
Do not cut, break, or crush the orodispersible tablets.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Meloxicam if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines, such as piroxicam or aspirin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- recent or active stomach ulcer or bleeding
- history of other bleeding disorders
- history of bleeding or perforation (hole) in the gut related to previous use of NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- active stomach or bowel disease e.g. Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon), ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- phenylketonuria (an inherited disorder where your body is not able to break down the amino acid phenylalanine) especially if you are taking the orodispersible tablet
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as meloxicam may not be suitable for you.
This medicine should not be used to treat pain before and after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).
Do not take Meloxicam if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Meloxicam may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach or bowel disease e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- asthma
- high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. mild to moderate heart failure, recent heart attack
- blood vessel problems or a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- swelling in the feet or legs due to fluid build-up
- peripheral arterial disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- diseases of the bowels
- diabetes
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Meloxicam to a child, the elderly, and debilitated individuals (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Certain genetic traits can affect the effectiveness of Meloxicam. Individuals who are poor or intermediate metabolisers of CYP2C9 may respond poorer to this medicine. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if Meloxicam is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Avoid long-term use of any painkillers.
Do not switch between different brands or drug preparations unless advised by your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, eye and ear examinations, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of stomach or bowel problems may also be needed.
Meloxicam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, stomach wind, headache, dizziness with sensation of spinning, rash, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat
- trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, weakness on one side of the body
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unable to pass urine, change in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, diflunisal, salsalate
- certain medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine, citalopram
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, losartan, propranolol
- water pills or medicines for fluid retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- lithium (medicine to treat depression)
- medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate, pemetrexed
- colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Meloxicam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may increase the risk of having stomach or gut bleeding caused by Meloxicam.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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