Mobic

Generic name: meloxicam

What is Mobic?

Mobic is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and can reduce inflammation, redness, and pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mobic may also be used to treat other types of short-term pain.

What is the most important information I should know about Mobic?

NSAIDs such as Mobic may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. This chance increases if you have taken an NSAID for a long time or if you have heart disease. NSAIDs should never be taken right before or after a heart surgery called a "coronary artery bypass graft" or CABG.

NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. The ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning and may cause death. The chance of you getting an ulcer or bleeding increases if you are taking other medications called corticosteroids, anticoagulants (blood thinners), or aspirin; taking NSAIDS for a long time; are a smoker, drink alcohol, are older in age, or in poor health. Signs and symptoms of an ulcer or bleeding include black tarry stools, gnawing or sharp stomach pains, or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Mobic and tell your doctor immediately.

Mobic may potentially cause damage to your liver. Some of the warning signs of liver damage can be nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellow coloring of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Rarely, Mobic can cause serious and even fatal skin reactions. If you develop any type of rash, fever, blisters, or skin itchiness, you should tell your doctor right away.

Mobic may cause your body to retain water, so you should use caution if you have heart failure, any type of kidney disease, or if you already retain too much water. You should only take NSAIDs exactly as your doctor tells you, at the lowest dose possible for your treatment, and for the shortest time needed. Your blood pressure may increase at any time while taking Mobic, so your doctor may want to monitor it.

Who should not take Mobic?

Do not take Mobic if you've had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID. You should not take Mobic to treat pain right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Mobic?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Mobic. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. NSAIDs such as Mobic should not be taken by pregnant women late in their pregnancy.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adults: The recommended starting and maintenance dose taken for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is 7.5 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may prescribe 15 mg per day depending on your individual condition.

Pauciarticular and Polyarticular Course Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Children: The usual dose is given using the Mobic oral suspension (liquid) and ranges from 1.5-7.5 mg per day, based on the child's weight.

How should I take Mobic?

Mobic should be taken as directed at the same time every day, and can be taken with or without food. Shake the liquid well before using.

What should I avoid while taking Mobic?

You should not take any other NSAID medicine while taking Mobic. Common over-the-counter NSAIDS include Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), as well as many combination products that may contain these medicines.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Mobic?

If Mobic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Mobic with the following: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, aspirin, cholestyramine, furosemide, lithium, methotrexate, warfarin, and other prescription NSAIDs such as celecoxib, diclofenac, and diflunisal.

What are the possible side effects of Mobic?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Serious side effects may include: heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure from body swelling (fluid retention), kidney problems including kidney failure, bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestine, low red blood cells (anemia), life-threatening skin reactions, life-threatening allergic reactions, liver problems including liver failure, asthma attacks in people who have asthma

Other side effects include: stomach pain, acid reflux, diarrhea, nausea, gas, flu like symptoms, dizziness, rash, upper respiratory tract infection

Can I receive Mobic if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Mobic is a pregnancy category C medication. This means Mobic has not been adequately tested on pregnant women. You should not take Mobic during pregnancy unless your doctor instructs you to and is aware that you are pregnant. It is not known whether Mobic is excreted in breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mobic?

You can take your missed dose as soon as you remember if there are more than 12 hours remaining until your next scheduled dose. If you are within 12 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

You should not double your dose of Mobic.

How should I store Mobic?

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.