Meloxicam for pain and inflammation

What is meloxicam?

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like meloxicam are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or sometimes just 'anti-inflammatories'. Meloxicam eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in long-term conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, but it may also be used for a shorter period of time in osteoarthritis.

Meloxicam works by blocking the effect of natural chemicals called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

Before taking meloxicam

Some medicines such as meloxicam are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking meloxicam, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have liver or kidney problems.

• If you have a heart condition or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have high blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

• If you are a smoker.

• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.

• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus. This is an inflammatory condition which is also called lupus or SLE.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and indometacin), or to any other medicine.

How to take meloxicam tablets

• Before you start taking meloxicam, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the tablets and provide a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking them.

• Take meloxicam exactly as your doctor has told you to. The usual dose is one tablet a day. You will be prescribed either 7.5 mg tablets or 15 mg tablets.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

• Take each dose with a snack or just after eating a meal and drink plenty of water whilst on meloxicam.

• If your doctor has prescribed melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) tablets:

  • Moisten your mouth first, taking a sip of water if needed.

  • Remove the tablet from the packaging, taking care not to moisten it.

  • Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly. This should take about five minutes.

  • After five minutes drink a large glass of water and swallow the dissolved tablet.

  • Do not chew the tablet or swallow it before it has dissolved.

• Try to take your doses at the same time each day, as this will help you to remember to take them.

• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember along with something to eat. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce the risk of side-effects. Your doctor may also want to prescribe another medicine for you to take along with meloxicam to protect your stomach from irritation.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories like meloxicam. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an anti-inflammatory like meloxicam.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can meloxicam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, meloxicam alongisde most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you experience any of the following uncommon but possibly serious symptoms, stop taking meloxicam and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

• If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.

• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or an itchy skin rash.

• If you pass blood or black stools, vomit blood, or have tummy (abdominal) pains.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store meloxicam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.
  

Important information about all medicines