Sep 08, 2022

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A Guide to Meloxicam

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 adults in the United States has arthritis. In addition, around 43.5% of adults report experiencing limitations in their usual daily activities due to pain from arthritis. 

Living with arthritis can be challenging and painful. However, there are treatment options available. 

Meloxicam (Mobic) is commonly prescribed to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

If you or someone you know is living with arthritis, Meloxicam may help. Use the information below to help you determine if it is the proper medicine for you, but always consult with your physician before starting new medications. 

Different Types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid & Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation reports around 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are the most common, along with gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia.

Osteoarthritis

Affecting roughly 32.5 million adults in the United States, osteoarthritis is sometimes called "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative joint disease. It's commonly associated as a part of the aging process and usually worsens over time. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Pain or aching in joints

  • Swelling in joints

  • Prolonged morning stiffness in joints

  • Crunching or grinding sensation when using affected joints

  • Decreased flexibility or range of motion

  • Bone spurs 

Rheumatoid arthritis

When the immune system doesn't work and attacks the lining of the joints, it can cause joint inflammation and pain, known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Considered an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, RA can affect several joints simultaneously. 

Little is known about why people develop RA.  Researchers believe environmental triggers, such as viruses, bacteria, or physical and emotional stress, may trigger a certain gene. 

Early RA symptoms often include tenderness and pain that turns into redness or swelling in the joints as the condition progresses. Other signs and symptoms of RA may also include:

  • Extreme fatigue 

  • Pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness in the same joints on both sides of the body 

  • Stiff joints in the morning that lasts for 30 minutes or longer

  • Lumps under the skin over bony areas (rheumatoid nodules)

  • Fever

People with RA experience "flares", when inflammation increases and symptoms are more prevalent. 

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Also referred to as childhood arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), this condition causes the immune system in a child not to work correctly, leading to inflammation in the joints and other body systems. 

Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Joint pain

  • Swelling and stiffness in joints

  • Fever

  • Rash

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Inflammation of the eye

  • Difficulty with walking, playing, getting dressed, and other activities of daily living  

Kids typically receive a childhood arthritis diagnosis between 6 months and 16 years old.Although there is currently no cure and joint damage doesn't go away, many children can go into permanent remission, meaning the disease is no longer active. 

Meloxicam FAQ's

What is Meloxicam, and how does it work? 

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For those with certain types of arthritis, it helps relieve symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. 

This medication is available in the following forms:

What are the side effects of Meloxicam?

It is possible to experience side effects when using Meloxicam. Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away or worsen. 

Common side effects of Meloxicam include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas/indigestion

  • Heartburn

  • Stomach pain

  • Constipation

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Dizziness 

Serious side effects can also occur. If you experience any allergic reactions, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately. 

You should also seek emergency medical treatment right away if you experience the following while taking Meloxicam:

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Chest tightness 

  • Irregular breathing

  • Feeling more tired or weaker than usual 

  • Itching 

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (Jaundice)

  • Stomach pain

  • Flu-like symptoms 

  • Blood in your vomit 

  • Bowel movements that have blood in them or are black and sticky

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever 

  • Swelling of the arms, legs, hands and feet

  • Ulcers or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth

  • Seizures

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Unusual weight gain 

Is it safe to take Meloxicam if I am taking other medications?

Before starting Meloxicam, you should always disclose to your healthcare provider all other medications you are taking. Meloxicam can have adverse effects when combined with other medicines, supplements, and vitamins, such as Kayexalate, Ketorolac, Cilostazol, and Warfarin. 

Is it safe to take Meloxicam if I have other medical conditions?

You should also discuss your health history with your doctor before starting Meloxicam. Other medical conditions, like Congestive Heart Failure(CHF) and Kidney disease, may affect the use of this medication. 

Should I take Meloxicam at night or in the morning? 

While it doesn't matter when you take Meloxicam, some studies recommend taking it during the day rather than before bed. You should always take it around the same time every day and as directed by your doctor. 

What do I do if I miss a dose of Meloxicam?

If you miss a dose of Meloxicam, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses of Meloxicam. 

Final Thoughts

Meloxicam may be the best treatment for you or someone you know who suffers from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

At CareCard, we are passionate about helping make your prescription payments more affordable, saving you up to 85% on prescription drugs and medications. You can search for a Meloxicam coupon here and learn how CareCard can help make your medication payments more manageable.

FAQ

What is Meloxicam? Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve symptoms of inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. What are the common side effects of Meloxicam? Common side effects include diarrhea, gas, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you experience side effects. Can Meloxicam interact with other medications? Yes, Meloxicam can interact with other medications, supplements, and vitamins. Inform your healthcare provider about all substances you are taking before starting Meloxicam. Are there any precautions to consider before taking Meloxicam? Consult with a healthcare provider before starting Meloxicam, especially if you have allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have pre-existing health conditions like heart disease or kidney disease. How should Meloxicam be taken if a dose is missed? If you miss a dose of Meloxicam, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses.