Side Effects of Meloxicam

Meloxicam is mainly used for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This drug was approved in the year 2000, and is now sold under a common brand name, Mobic. Meloxicam is available in a tablet as well as a liquid form. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in animals as well, mostly in dogs. Meloxicam can be taken either while eating food, or after one has completed the meal. However, as this drug is known to cause stomach pain after consumption, it is advised that this should be taken along with the meal. An overdose can lead to serious side effects of Meloxicam and hence, it is always advised to take this drug after the approval of a health care professional.

Side Effects of Meloxicam

Unlike other drugs and medications, Meloxicam can cause certain serious side effects, in which case you should consult a doctor immediately. Prominent side effects of Meloxicam include:

• Stomach Ulceration: A serious side effect of this drug is that it can cause severe pain, and at times (if consumed for a long period), perforation in the stomach. This can be serious and life threatening as well.
• Loss of Kidney Function: A serious side effect of this drug is that it leads to a decrease in blood supply to the kidney, causing irreversible damage to the kidneys of a patient.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions like skin rashes, or swelling on the face, tongue or lips is another serious side effect of Meloxicam.
• Breathing Problems: Meloxicam can also cause difficulty in breathing, leading to uneasiness and distress.
• Chest Pain: Meloxicam side effects cause tightness in chest leading to severe chest pain.
• Discharge of Blood in Stool, Urine, Vomit: One may experience serious side effects of Meloxicam through symptoms like melena, or blood in urine or in vomiting.
• Weakness on one side of the Body or Blurred speech: One of the notable and potentially dangerous side effects of this drug is that it causes partial paralysis of the body, including an inability to speak.
• Yellowing of Skin or Eyes: Another side effect of Meloxicam is a change in color of the eyes and skin. Patients taking this drug show signs of eyes and skin color turning yellow.

The other most common side effects of Meloxicam, which are minor and may not require any medication, are:

• Nausea
• Digestive problems
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness and fainting
• Heartburn or gas
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Headache
• Disturbance in vision
• Restiveness or depression

Concern and Cautions to be Taken While Using Meloxicam

Patients suffering from a history of asthma should strictly avoid using this drug as there are several adverse side effects of Meloxicam. There is higher risk of developing ulcers if Meloxicam is taken with aspirin. People who have recently undergone bypass heart surgery should preferably consult a doctor before taking Meloxicam, as there is a high risk of heart attacks and strokes. Meloxicam is also known to interact with certain other medications. To avoid complications, patients should first discuss with the physician regarding the various other supplements or drugs being taken. One should also inform if they are alcoholic, smokers or use any other drugs. Patients should inform the physician regarding medicines being taken for treating high blood pressure or any other anti-inflammatory medicines. Also, one is not supposed to take any unprescribed medicines with this drug.

Meloxicam should be strictly avoided by pregnant women during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. This drug closes two major blood vessels of the heart and lung and may cause death of unborn baby. Unlike other inflammatory drugs, Meloxicam is a very powerful drug and should be taken only after consulting a physician to avoid the various side effects associated with it.