What Is Meloxicam Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is meloxicam used for?" Meloxicam is used for treating symptoms related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions. By blocking the effects of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body, the medicine can help alleviate pain, inflammation, and joint swelling. Meloxicam can also be used "off-label" to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, gout, and lupus.

 

What Is Meloxicam Used For? -- An Overview

Meloxicam (Mobic®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, swelling, or stiffness.
 
Specific meloxicam uses include the relief of:
 
Meloxicam is not a cure for the types of arthritis mentioned above, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.
 

How Does Meloxicam Work?

Meloxicam and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins. By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, meloxicam can help alleviate pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis.
 

Is Meloxicam Used for Children?

Meloxicam is approved for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children two years of age and older.
 

Is Meloxicam Used Off-Label?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend meloxicam for treating something other than the conditions discussed above. This is called an "off-label" use. Some examples of off-label meloxicam uses include the relief of:
 
  • Mild to moderate pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or leg pain
  • Fibromyalgia symptoms
  • Gout symptoms
  • Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE for short or lupus)
  • Pain or inflammation caused by other conditions.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;