Meloxicam

Generic name: meloxicam 
Brand name: Anjeso, Mobic, Qmiiz OD, Vivlodex
The class of drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

What is the term meloxicam?

Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory medication that is nonsteroidal (NSAID). It reduces hormones that trigger pain and inflammation in the body.

Meloxicam is a medication used to treat inflammation and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis for adults.

Meloxicam can also be used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis children aged between 2 years old.

Anjeso, the brand of meloxicam is used to manage moderate to severe pain for adults.¶

Villodex is only for use by adults. Qmiiz is intended for adults and children who weigh at least 132lbs (60 kgs).

Warnings

Meloxicam may increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke particularly if you take it for long periods or take large doses or you suffer from heart disease. Avoid using this medicine prior to or following the procedure for a heart bypass (coronary bypass grafts for the artery also known as CABG).

Seek medical attention immediately If you experience chest discomfort or weakness, breath shortness, and slurred speech. You may also have difficulties with your balance or vision.

Meloxicam could also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding which can lead to death. These issues can happen in a matter of minutes while taking this medication, particularly among older adults.

Contact your doctor immediately If you notice signs of stomach bleeding like bloody, black, or the appearance of tarry stools or if you cough up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.

Beware of drinking and smoking as they increase the chance of bleeding from your stomach.

Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using another cold or allergy or pain medication. Similar medicines to meloxicam can be included in many combination medicines. Look at the label to determine the presence of an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like aspirin, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Meloxicam may increase the chances of having a fatal stroke or heart attack in particular if you use it for long periods or in high doses, or you suffer from heart disease. Even those without heart health or risk factors can suffer a heart attack when taking this medication.

Do not take this medication prior to or following coronary bypass surgery (coronary bypass grafts for arteries (CABG) or CABG).

Meloxicam could also trigger stomach or intestinal bleeding which could be fatal. These problems can develop at any time while taking this medication and are more common for older people.

It is best not to use meloxicam in the event that you are allergic to it or have experienced an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction following taking aspirin or NSAID.

To make sure that this medicine is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:

• heart disease, high blood pressure diabetes, high cholesterol or if smoking;
• A history of stroke, heart attack, or blood clots;
• an occurrence of bleeding from stomach ulcers or stomach ulcers;
• asthma;
• renal disease (or if you’re taking dialysis);
• liver disease liver disease
• fluid retention.

If you’re pregnant and you are taking Meloxicam unless your physician tells you that you should. Taking an NSAID in the last 20 weeks before birth may cause kidney or heart problems for the unborn baby and possible complications related to the pregnancy.

Meloxicam can cause an increase in the time of the process of ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovary). It is not recommended to take this medicine if you’re taking fertility treatments, or are trying to become pregnant.

Meloxicam could be passed in breast milk, and cause harm to a nursing infant. Discuss with your doctor prior to breastfeeding with this medication.

Meloxicam isn’t FDA cleared for use by people who is less than two years old.

What should I do to use meloxicam?

Use meloxicam according to the prescription given by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor could change the dosage to ensure that you receive the most effective outcomes. Be careful not to take this medicine in greater amounts or for a longer time than is recommended. Take the dose that works for treating your condition.

Meloxicam oral is taken through the mouth.

It is an injector is administered by infusion into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection.

It is possible to take the orally-dissolving drug with or without food.

Take the oral disintegrating tablet from the packaging only once it is time to consume the medication. Put the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve without chewing. Take a few breaths as the tablet melts.

The dosage you require could change if you change to a different brand or strength of this medication. Be sure to avoid medication errors by taking only the prescription dosage and form the doctor recommends.

Meloxicam dosages are determined by weight (especially in teenagers and children). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

If you take this medication over a long period of time, you could require regular medical examinations.

Meloxicam tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place. tablets and capsules at ambient temperature, and free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.

If I don’t take a dose?

Do the dose missed as soon as you can remember. Avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time for your next dose. Do not take any additional medicine to make up for the missed dose.

How do I react if consume too much?

Get medical attention immediately or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid alcohol. Drinking heavily can increase the chance of bleeding from your stomach.

Take care not to take aspirin when you’re taking meloxicam or unless your doctor advises you to.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any other medications for fever, pain swelling, cold, or flu symptoms. They could contain ingredients that are like meloxicam (such as ketoprofen, aspirin, ketoprofen, ibuprofen naproxen, and ketoprofen).

Meloxicam side effects

Take immediate medical care If you show symptoms warning signs of an allergy reaction to meloxicam such as runny, sneezing, or nasal congestion; wheezing or difficulties breathing and hives, swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Take immediate medical care in the event that you exhibit indications of a stroke or heart attack: chest pain spreading into your shoulder or jaw suddenly feeling numb or weak to one area of your body, slurred speech, or feeling tired.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately in the event that you are suffering from:

• the initial sign that skin irritation is the first sign regardless of its severity;
• Breathlessness 
• Weight gain, swelling, or rapid weight gain;
• symptoms of stomach bleeding – bloody or tarry stool, the spouting of blood or vomiting that appears like coffee grounds
• liver issues – nausea, upper stomach discomfort, itching, fatigue feelings, flu-like symptoms lack of appetite dark urine, black stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• kidney issues – little or no urination or difficult urination; swelling in your ankles and feet being exhausted or weak;
• Low red blood cells (anemia) white skin and feeling lightheaded or weak, high heart rate, difficulty finding your focus or
• severe skin reaction, the throat is sore, fever, swelling of your tongue or face burning eyes, and skin irritation that is followed by an irritated or purple rash that grows (especially on the face or the upper part of the body) and can cause blisters and peeling.

The most common side effects of meloxicam are:

• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
• diarrhea, constipation
• dizziness;
• Cold symptoms, flu symptoms.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other medications will impact the effects of meloxicam?

Talk to your physician before using meloxicam when you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram Escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine (Zoloft), and trazodone or vilazodone. The combination of any of these drugs together with an NSAID can cause bleeding or bruises easily.

Discuss with your physician all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you begin or stop taking, particularly:

• cyclosporine;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate);
• A blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• blood pressure or heart medication, which includes diuretics also known as “water pill” and ACE inhibitors and
• The steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list isn’t complete. Other drugs can interfere with meloxicam. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. There are not all possible interactions written in this drug guide.