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Meloxicam

Pain Relief

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What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam (also called Mobic®) is used to treat joint pain. This medicine is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam is available as a 7.5 mg or 15 mg tablet that is taken by mouth.

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Possible side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Flu-like symptoms

Allergic reaction with the following symptoms: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
  • Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
  • Feeling numb or weak on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse. 

Not all patients who take meloxicam will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
    • Heart attack or stroke
  • Do not use aspirin or any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is OK.
  • Some medicines can affect how meloxicam works. Tell your doctor if you are also taking any of the following:
    • Cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed
    • Blood pressure medicine
    • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
    • Diuretic (water pill)
    • Medicine to treat depression
    • Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Meloxicam at home:

  • Meloxicam is usually taken one time a day.
  • Take with a full glass of water.
  • Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
  • Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Missed doses:
    • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
    • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: June 2024