Precautions and Warnings With Meloxicam

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• There are certain other medications that meloxicam can interact with (see Drug Interactions With Meloxicam).

• All NSAIDs, including meloxicam, have been reported to cause cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke, both of which can result in loss of life. People with cardiovascular disease or who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease appear to be at greater risk.

To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, it is recommended that people take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Also, call 911 if you notice things such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and slurring of speech.

• All NSAIDs, including meloxicam, may cause or worsen high blood pressure. Meloxicam should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure.

• All NSAIDs, including meloxicam, may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling. Also, meloxicam should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
   
• All NSAIDs, including meloxicam, have been reported to cause problems in the stomach and intestines, including bleeding (known as gastrointestinal bleeding), stomach ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines. These problems can lead to serious complications or even loss of life. Extreme caution should be used if meloxicam is prescribed to people with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, it is recommended that people take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of stomach ulcers or bleeding, including:

 

o Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)

o Indigestion

o Black, tarry stools

o Vomiting blood.

• People taking NSAIDs, including meloxicam, can suffer kidney damage. It is more common in the elderly and people with kidney disease, heart failure, or liver problems. It is also more common in those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

   
• Liver damage can occur with people who are taking meloxicam. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as nausea, tiredness, lethargy, itchy or yellowing skin, abdominal pain (or stomach pain), or flu-like symptoms.
   
• NSAIDs, including meloxicam, have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face and throat while taking meloxicam.
   
• In rare cases, people taking meloxicam can develop a very serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking the meloxicam and call your healthcare provider.
   
• If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting meloxicam. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting the meloxicam.
   
• NSAIDs have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting meloxicam and 12 weeks after treatment has started.
   
• Meloxicam has been known to cause anemia. If you are taking meloxicam for an extended amount of time and show signs of anemia, talk with your healthcare provider.
   
• You should not take meloxicam with any other NSAIDs, as this may increase your risk of any of the problems discussed above. There are many NSAIDs available with or without a prescription; make sure to read labels carefully. Some examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin^®, Advil^®), naproxen (Aleve^®, Anaprox^®, Naprosyn^®, Naprelan^®), celecoxib (Celebrex^®), ketoprofen (Orudis^®, Oruvail^®), etodolac (Lodine^®, Lodine^® XL), diclofenac (Cataflam^®, Voltaren^®), and others. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of these medications.

• NSAIDs like meloxicam can delay ovulation. This may have a negative effect on fertility. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, make sure to discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider. 

• Meloxicam is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should take meloxicam only if the benefits outweigh the possible risks to your unborn child. Meloxicam is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy because it can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking meloxicam, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Mobic and Pregnancy for more information).
   
• If you are nursing, it is recommended that you not take meloxicam. Therefore, if you are nursing and taking meloxicam, discuss with your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or discontinue the medicine.