Mobic
® (
meloxicam) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, swelling, and/or stiffness. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short.
Mobic is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
Mobic Uses
Mobic has been licensed for the relief of signs and symptoms associated with:
The medication is not a cure for these
types of arthritis, however, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.
Mobic and other NSAIDs 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, Mobic is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and other painful conditions.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Mobic include the following:
- The medication comes in a tablet or liquid form that is taken by mouth.
- Your Mobic dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks for Mobic to begin working to its full potential.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of serious side effects occurring.
- Mobic should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Mobic to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
The dose of Mobic your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Mobic. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects include:
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reactions
- Unexplained rash.
These possible side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
(Click Mobic Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Mobic can potentially interact with a number of other medicines
(see Mobic Drug Interactions for more information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Mobic?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including Mobic, may have a higher risk for
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take them. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Mobic if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicine that decreases the ability of your blood to clot)
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
In addition, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Mobic and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Mobic may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- The heart stopping.
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Mobic should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets or liquid suspension should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Mobic as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose!
Mobic is available in several strengths, including:
- Mobic 7.5 mg tablets
- Mobic 15 mg tablets
- Mobic 7.5 mg/5 mL oral suspension (liquid) -- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) contains 7.5 mg of Mobic.
Mobic is currently available in generic form
(see Generic Mobic for more information).
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