Mobic (Meloxicam) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Mobic (meloxicam) is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Mobic (meloxicam) is also used to relieve the pain, tenderness,swelling, and stiffness caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects children) in children 2 years of age and older. Mobic (meloxicam) is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Mobic (meloxicam) comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take Mobic (meloxicam) at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Mobic (meloxicam) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    Mobic (meloxicam) is also used sometimes to treat ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Mobic (meloxicam):

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Mobic (meloxicam), aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and quinapril (Accupril); cholestyramine (Questran); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, especially if you have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or kidney or liver disease.
    • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Mobic (meloxicam), call your doctor.
    • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Mobic (meloxicam).
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Mobic (meloxicam) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • diarrhea
    • constipation
    • gas
    • sore throat
    • cough
    • runny nose

    Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

    • fever
    • blisters
    • rash
    • hives
    • itching
    • swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing
    • hoarseness
    • pale skin
    • fast heartbeat
    • unexplained weight gain
    • nausea
    • excessive tiredness
    • lack of energy
    • yellowing of the skin or eyes
    • pain in the right upper part of the stomach
    • flu-like symptoms
    • cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
    • back pain
    • difficult or painful urination

    Mobic (meloxicam) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

    Symptoms of overdose may include:

    • lack of energy
    • drowsiness
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • stomach pain
    • bloody, black, or tarry stools
    • vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
    • difficulty breathing
    • seizures
    • coma
  • What other information should I know?

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Mobic®