When we have joint pain, back pain, or arthritis pain, we all go to the doctor. Then we are prescribed a painkiller. Today we are going to talk about a medicine that is often prescribed, but in a slightly special way, that is, it needs to be dissolved in the mouth and used. That is Meloxicam. Let's talk about everything you need to know about this medicine in a simple and friendly way.
What exactly is Meloxicam?
Simply put, Meloxicam is a medication that is used to treat conditions like pain, swelling, and arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) . The name is a bit complicated, but it means that these are non-steroid drugs that reduce inflammation or swelling in the body. Just like medications like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. What this medication does is directly control a chemical process in the body that causes pain and swelling.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using Meloxicam, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history. This is because this medication may interact with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | NSAID medications can worsen asthma in some people. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of heart attacks | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. |
| Recent bypass surgery (CABG) | This medicine is not recommended after bypass surgery. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This medicine can affect kidney and liver function. |
| A history of stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding | This increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
| If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin) or steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | The risk of bleeding may increase significantly. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This can affect the unborn baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| If you have a habit of drinking alcohol or smoking | These habits further increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a disintegrating tablet, the way to use it is a little different. Do it exactly like this.
1. Take it on time: Take the medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Dry your hands: Your hands should be completely dry before taking the pill. If you touch the pill with wet hands, it will start to dissolve.
3. Take care: Keep the pill in its sealed package until you are ready to take it. Open the package carefully and take out the pill carefully. If the pill is broken or crushed, throw it away without using it and get a new one.
4. Keep in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. Once it is completely dissolved, swallow. There is no need to drink water for this.
5. Do not chew, crush: Never chew, cut, or crush this tablet.
6. With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is better to take it with a meal.
If you have any questions about the dosage or how to use your medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
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 once to make up for the missed dose.
Things to be careful about when taking Meloxicam
There are several things you need to pay attention to for your safety when taking this medication.
- Do not mix it with other painkillers: Do not take other NSAID painkillers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen while taking Meloxicam without your doctor's advice. Doing so can greatly increase the risk of side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding: This medicine can cause serious stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, being older, and having poor health increase this risk. If you experience stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools , see a doctor immediately.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this risk may be slightly increased with long-term use or if you already have heart disease. So talk to your doctor about this.
- During pregnancy: You should be especially careful if you are pregnant. Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. After 30 weeks , this medicine should not be taken at all. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medication and increase side effects. Therefore, it is best to stay away from alcohol while taking this medication.
Overdose and side effects
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
There are two types of side effects that can occur with this medication.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest tightness or pain, difficulty breathing, nausea. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling, and fever-related complications. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach ache | Stomach ache, upset stomach. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
Take-Home Message
- Meloxicam is an NSAID that is used to treat pain and inflammation. It comes in a special tablet that dissolves in the mouth.
- Before taking this medicine, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take the tablet with your bare hands, let it dissolve in your mouth, and swallow. Never chew or crush it.
- If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain and black stools, it could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach. Seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
- Like any medicine, this should only be used under the advice of a doctor. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask.
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