Do you sometimes experience unbearable joint pain, back pain, or pain that comes with swelling? When living with conditions like arthritis, this pain can be a major obstacle to daily activities. So, in times like these, your doctor may prescribe you a painkiller like Meloxicam. But before using this medication, it is very important to be fully informed about it.
What is this medicine called Meloxicam?
Simply put, Meloxicam is a medicine that is used to control pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) . This class of drugs works by controlling the chemical processes in our body that cause pain and swelling.
In this article, we will talk about a special form of Meloxicam. These are disintegrating tablets. These are very easy to use, because they can be taken without water.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Meloxicam is not a one-size-fits-all medication, so it is very important to give your doctor a complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood vessel problems | If you have had a heart attack or stroke in the past, if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or heart failure, or if you have recently had bypass surgery (CABG). |
| Stomach and intestinal problems | If you have had stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding in the past. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, or a condition called phenylketonuria. |
| Lifestyle and habits | If you regularly drink alcohol, smoke, or are dehydrated. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to meloxicam, other medicines, foods or preservatives. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a pill that dissolves in the mouth, the method of use is a little different.
1. Take it on time: Try to take it at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Handle with dry hands: Your hands should be completely dry before you take the pill. If you handle it with wet hands, the pill may start to dissolve.
3. Take care: Do not break the seal of the pill packet until you are ready to take the medicine. Take the pill out of the packet very carefully. If the pill breaks or crumbles, throw it away and get a new one.
4. Keep in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. Then swallow. No water is needed.
5. Do not crush, chew: Do not cut, crush, or chew this tablet.
6. With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it after a meal.
The most important thing is, do not take more than the dose your doctor has prescribed. Even if there are pills left in the bottle after the treatment period is over, ask your doctor about it.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
People over 65 years of age and children
People over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Therefore, a lower dose is usually prescribed. Although this medicine can be given to children over the age of 2 in some special cases, great care should be taken. All of this is decided by your doctor.
What if I overdose on medicine?
If you think you may have accidentally taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Meloxicam can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Medicines that should never be taken with Meloxicam | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Things to use with caution, things that can cause problems | |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) | Aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines |
| Blood thinners | Medications for high blood pressure |
| Steroids such as Prednisone and Cortisone | Alcohol |
| Medicines like Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Lithium, Methotrexate | Some vitamins and herbal products (e.g. garlic, ginger) |
Things you should be careful about when using the medicine
- Do not take other painkillers: While taking Meloxicam, do not take other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen without consulting your doctor. Doing so can greatly increase the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Stomach bleeding: This medicine can sometimes cause stomach bleeding and ulcers without warning . If you have stomach pain, black tarry stools , or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , seek medical advice immediately.
- Risk of heart attack and stroke: Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with heart disease.
- Severe skin reactions: Some people may develop a severe allergic reaction with fever and a skin rash, even weeks after starting this medicine. If your skin becomes red, blisters, or starts to peel, see a doctor immediately.
- During pregnancy: You should be especially careful if you are pregnant. Taking this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. It is not recommended to use this medicine after 30 weeks .
Side effects you may experience
Like any medicine, Meloxicam can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/brown urine, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Heart attack symptoms | Chest pain, tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Kidney or liver problems | Decreased urination, swelling of the legs/hands, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain on the right side of the abdomen. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Appetite | Stomach upset |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature, away from moisture and excessive heat. Do not use expired medicine. Do not flush any unused, expired medicine down the toilet or throw it in the trash. Ask your doctor for advice on how to dispose of it properly.
Take-Home Message
- Meloxicam is a medication that should only be taken on the advice of a doctor.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- While using this medicine, watch out for symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, and vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These may be signs of stomach bleeding.
- Do not take other painkillers like ibuprofen at the same time.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
- If any serious side effects occur, seek medical advice immediately.
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