Non-Opioid Pain Medicines
Meloxciam
(Generic; Mobic) tablet
Meloxicam (Mobic) is a prescribed medicine that helps with pain.
How does this medicine work?
Meloxicam helps with pain by reducing inflammation. Meloxicam blocks the action of certain enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which can reduce fevers, improve pain, and reduce inflammation or swelling.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Meloxicam with a glass of water or other liquid. It is best to take it with food because it helps prevent stomach upset.
If you forget to take this medicine: Take the medication as soon as you realize that you have missed the dose. If it is close to the time that your next dose is due, skip the missed dose.
What are the side effects?
Meloxicam commonly causes an upset stomach, stomach pains, or heart burn. To prevent this, it is helpful to take it with food or to take an acid blocking medicine like omeprazole (Prilosec) or ranitidine (Zantac).
Sometimes Meloxicam can cause severe inflammation of the stomach or gut that causes bleeding. Call your care team right away if you have any signs of bleeding from your stomach and gut:
If you vomit and see red or black material
If you see red colored stools
If your stools are black and sticky
Meloxicam can cause damage to the kidneys. Drinking plenty of fluids (at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day) can help protect your kidneys from damage.
Meloxicam can cause a few other side effects that are more rare, like rash, allergic reaction (swelling in the lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing), and a small increase in the risk of heart attack.
How can I be safe when taking this medicine?
Always follow the prescription instructions and call your care team if you have any questions. Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than your are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
Do not take blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen while using this medicine. These medicines may put you at increased risk of bleeding and other side effects.
Drinking plenty of fluids (at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day) while taking this medication. This helps protect your kidneys from the side effects of Meloxicam. If you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty keeping down fluids - call your care team ad stop taking meloxicam.
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