Meloxicam

GENERIC NAME: meloxicam

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are used to treat pain and/or inflammation. Prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation within joints, and it is the inflammation that leads to the common symptoms of pain, tenderness and swelling associated with arthritis. Meloxicam blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and reduces the levels of prostaglandins. As a result, inflammation and its accompanying symptoms are reduced. Meloxicam was approved for use in April 2000.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Meloxicam is available as a yellow, round, biconvex, uncoated tablet containing meloxicam 7.5 mg or as a yellow, oblong, biconvex, uncoated tablet containing meloxicam 15 mg.

PRESCRIBED FOR
Meloxicam is used to treat tenderness, swelling and pain caused by the inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

DOSING
The lowest effective dose should be used for each patient. Meloxicam therapy usually is started at 7.5 mg daily. Some patients require a dose of 15 mg daily, but this dose should be taken only under the direction of a physician. Meloxicam may be taken with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
In studies where meloxicam was administered with cimetidine (Tagamet), digoxin (Lanoxin), and methotrexate (Rheumatrex), there were no drug interactions. Meloxicam may interfere with a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, e.g., captopril (Capoten) and ramipril (Altace) or the water pill, furosemide (Lasix), that are used for controlling high blood pressure,. This may lead to an increase in blood pressure, and as a result, the dose of ACE inhibitor or Lasix may need to be changed when starting or stopping meloxicam.

Meloxicam should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

If aspirin is taken with meloxicam there may be an increased risk for developing an ulcer.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking meloxicam or other NSAIDs.

Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid) and colesevelam (Welchol) may decrease the effectiveness of meloxicam by preventing its absorption from the intestine.

Lithium (Eskalith or Lithobid) blood levels may increase or decrease after meloxicam therapy starts or stops. Therefore, both the patient taking lithium and the blood level of lithium need to be evaluated when starting or stopping meloxicam.

Meloxicam should be used with caution in combination with blood thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) because of an increased risk of bleeding.

USES
Meloxicam is used to treat arthritis. It reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with it unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you have taken this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than 15 milligrams (mg) per day because higher doses increase the chance of stomach side effects. It may take up to two weeks before the full benefits of this drug take effect. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, fainting, fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent/severe headache, mental/mood changes, ringing in the ears (tinnitis), sudden or unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, seizures, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck. This medication may infrequently cause serious bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following unlikely, but very serious side effects, stop taking meloxicam and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking meloxicam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of asthma that gets worse after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (more trouble breathing with runny/stuffy nose). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, bleeding or clotting problems, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), dehydration, growth in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), swelling (edema, fluid retention). This medication may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. This medication may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medication, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible fetal harm. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: slowed or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature 77 degrees F ( 25degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage up to 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.