You too may have been prescribed a medicine called Meloxicam by your doctor for joint pain, back pain, arthritis, or other pain. This is a very commonly used painkiller in our country. But it is not just any painkiller. Therefore, there are a few things that we all need to be careful about when using this medicine. Let's talk about it in detail today.
What is this medicine called Meloxicam?
Simply put, Meloxicam is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain, swelling, and conditions like arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). You may have heard of drugs like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, but it is in the same class.
This medicine works by controlling the chemical processes in our body that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, it provides good relief from things like joint swelling and pain. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is the most important part. Before starting Meloxicam, it is essential to clearly tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking. Because using this medication with certain medical conditions can be risky.
Remember, the more your doctor knows about your complete health history, the safer he or she can give you the treatment you need.
If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | For some people, NSAID medications can worsen asthma symptoms. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack, or having had heart surgery (such as CABG) | Meloxicam may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with heart disease. |
| A history of stomach ulcers, gastritis, or intestinal bleeding | This medicine increases the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. |
| Kidney disease or liver disease | There is a risk of damage to these organs. |
| Taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel) or steroid medications (e.g. Prednisolone) | Taking Meloxicam with these medications significantly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Smoking or frequent drinking | These habits further increase the risk of stomach ulcers. |
| Trying to conceive, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is not suitable for pregnant women (especially the last 3 months) and breastfeeding mothers. |
| Having an allergy to Meloxicam, Aspirin, or any other medicine or food | It is essential to be informed of this to avoid the risk of allergic reactions. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the dose exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the right time. If you take it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you have a condition like heartburn or gastritis, it is best to take it after a meal .
- Do not increase the dosage: Do not take more than the doctor has prescribed just because you think the pain is too much. Doing so will increase the risk of side effects.
- If you are over 65 years old: Older people may need a lower dose, so follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. The immediate action is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to avoid and be careful with Meloxicam
This medicine may interact with other medicines you are taking, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Do not take with: Ketorolac (another strong NSAID), Cidofovir (an antiviral drug).
- Be very careful when taking these with:
- Other NSAID painkillers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen). Taking these together increases the risk of stomach ulcers.
- Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Apixaban, Dabigatran)
- Some medications for high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Some medications for mental illness.
- Medications such as Lithium, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine.
- Diuretics.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
1. Stomach ulcers and bleeding: This is the main risk of NSAIDs. Stomach ulcers can develop and bleed without warning . If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, chest pain, black stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stop taking the medication immediately and see a doctor.
2. Risk of heart attack and stroke: This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. Also, with long-term use or if you already have heart disease, this risk may increase slightly. If you experience sudden symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness in an arm, or difficulty speaking, go to a hospital immediately.
3. Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Meloxicam greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
4. Severe skin reactions: Although rare, this medicine can cause severe skin reactions. If you experience fever and body aches, along with red, itchy skin, blisters, peeling skin, or sores inside your mouth, seek medical advice immediately.
5. Pregnancy: Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the baby in the womb. Do not take this medicine at all after 30 weeks.
6. Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make some people feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until your body adjusts to the medication.
Side effects of the medicine
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, and small red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack symptoms | Pain/stiffness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, difficulty breathing, sweating, fainting. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of kidney or liver damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and dark urine. |
| Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Meloxicam is a medication that should only be taken under the advice of a doctor. It is not a medicine that can be bought from the pharmacy for pain.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or severe skin rash while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- While taking this medication, do not take other painkillers (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
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