When you have a little severe pain, your doctor may give you an injection. Meloxicam is a medicine that is given at such times to reduce pain and inflammation. This is usually given to you in a hospital. So let's learn exactly about this Meloxicam injection, how it works, and what we need to be careful about.
What is this medicine called Meloxicam?
Simply put, Meloxicam is a medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by reducing the chemicals in our body that cause pain and inflammation. Medically speaking, it belongs to a group of painkillers called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . The most commonly used brand name for this is Anjeso.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given Meloxicam injection, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or habit | Reason to be concerned |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Asthma patients may be allergic to some NSAIDs. |
| Bleeding problems | This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Dehydration | Not having enough water in the body can affect the kidneys. |
| Frequent drinking | Increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Having had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-stroke before | This medication may slightly increase the risk of heart disease. |
| Having had heart bypass surgery (CABG) within the past two weeks | It is not recommended to take this medication after surgery. |
| Heart disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure | It can increase blood pressure and affect heart function. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The effects of the drug on these organs may be increased. |
| Stomach bleeding or ulcers | The current situation may worsen. |
| Tobacco use | Increases the risk of stomach ulcers. |
| Trying to conceive, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is not suitable for use during pregnancy (especially after 20 weeks) and for breastfeeding mothers. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | You should inform your doctor if you are allergic to Meloxicam or other NSAIDs. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is an injection into a vein. So it is usually given to you by a medical staff member in a hospital or clinic. In rare cases, if you need to use it at home, you will be taught how to prepare and inject it correctly. You should use it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dose. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
Warning: What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Also, remember, this medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When taking Meloxicam, you should also be careful about the other medications you are taking. Some medications can cause adverse effects when combined with Meloxicam.
Do not take Meloxicam with these medicines in particular:
- Cidofovir
- Ketorolac
In addition, Meloxicam may interact with the following, so tell your doctor about these:
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin)
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Medication for high blood pressure
- Methotrexate
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., painkillers like Ibuprofen and Naproxen)
- Some medications for depression
- Steroid medications such as Prednisone or Cortisone
- Supplements like garlic, ginger, Ginkgo, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products), as well as whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
It is very important to pay attention to changes in your body while using this medicine.
Be careful with other painkillers (NSAIDs)
While taking Meloxicam, do not take other painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin) without first consulting your doctor. Many over-the-counter painkillers may contain these. Taking these together can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
Serious stomach problems
This medicine can sometimes cause serious stomach bleeding, ulcers, or perforation of the intestines without warning . This risk is especially high if you take this medicine for a long time. If you have severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit blood that looks like coffee grounds or is red, seek medical advice immediately.
Heart attack and stroke risk
NSAIDs like meloxicam may slightly increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. This risk is higher in people who take the medication long-term and in people who already have heart disease.
Serious Skin Reactions
Rarely, some people may develop a severe allergic reaction a few weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a skin rash along with symptoms such as a fever or chills . These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. You may also experience symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, and hives in the neck or armpits.
Effects on pregnancy and fertility
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Taking this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious harm to the baby. It is not recommended after 30 weeks. Also, this medicine may temporarily affect fertility.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Meloxicam can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, or arms, nausea, difficulty breathing, sweating, fainting. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | |
| Appetite | |
| Nausea | |
| Stomach upset | |
Where should I keep the medicine?
Since this medicine is usually given in a hospital or clinic, you don't have to take it home or keep it with you. So there's nothing to worry about.
Take-Home Message
- Meloxicam is a powerful NSAID that controls pain and inflammation. It is given as an injection.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart, kidney, liver, and stomach diseases).
- If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take other painkillers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) with this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about this medicine.
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