Meloxicam is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. Meloxicam is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the bodys production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Meloxicam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take meloxicam, take it around 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 meloxicam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

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

heartburn
diarrhea
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:

black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
skin rash
unexplained weight gain
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
upset stomach
excessive tiredness
lack of energy
itching
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain in the right upper part of the stomach
flu-like symptoms
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
Meloxicam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

lack of energy
drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
difficulty breathing
seizures
coma

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

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.

This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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.

Before taking meloxicam,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to 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. Be sure to mention 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); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; cholestyramine (Questran); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had asthma; stomach problems such as ulcers; high blood pressure; heart failure; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (fluid retention); blood clotting (coagulation) problems; or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking meloxicam, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking meloxicam.