Meloxicam: Uses, Dosing, Side Effects & Safe Tips

Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID many people use for arthritis pain and inflammation. It helps with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and sometimes for other painful inflammatory conditions. It’s usually taken once daily—typically 7.5 mg to 15 mg—so it’s convenient, but like all NSAIDs it carries real risks you should know about.

How fast it works and what to expect: you may feel some relief within a day, but it can take up to a week for steady benefits. The drug has a long half-life, so once-daily dosing keeps levels stable. Take it with food to cut stomach upset. Don’t take more than your doctor prescribes—higher doses increase risk without adding much benefit.

Common side effects and warnings

Meloxicam can cause stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, and headache. The big concerns are stomach ulcers and bleeding, raised blood pressure, fluid retention, and kidney damage—especially if you’re older, dehydrated, or already have heart or kidney issues. There’s also a small increase in heart attack and stroke risk with long-term or high-dose NSAID use.

Avoid meloxicam if you have active peptic ulcers, recent heart surgery, or severe kidney disease. Don’t use it in the third trimester of pregnancy—NSAIDs can harm the baby’s heart and circulation. If you’re on blood thinners, watch for extra bleeding. If you have liver issues, your doctor may check liver tests before and during treatment.

Key drug interactions and monitoring

Meloxicam interacts with several common medicines. It can increase bleeding risk with warfarin and some SSRIs, reduce the kidney-protective effects of ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and raise lithium or methotrexate levels. Drinking alcohol adds bleeding risk. Ask your prescriber about all your medicines and supplements, and have baseline kidney and blood pressure checks if you’ll use meloxicam regularly. If you’re older, blood work and closer monitoring make sense.

When to call your doctor: severe belly pain, black or bloody stools, unexplained shortness of breath, sudden swelling in legs or face, yellowing of skin, or little to no urine. Also report any rash or signs of allergic reaction right away.

Buying meloxicam online: only use a pharmacy that asks for a prescription and shows licensure or accreditation. Look for clear contact info, customer reviews, and secure payment options. Generic meloxicam is inexpensive and widely available; avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer oddly low prices. If you’re unsure, ask your prescriber or pharmacist to recommend a reputable online pharmacy.

Bottom line: meloxicam can help arthritis pain when used at the lowest effective dose and with proper checks. Know the red flags, review interactions with your provider, and only buy from legitimate pharmacies. That way you get the benefit without unnecessary risk.