Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Meloxicam

Brand names: Mobic, Anjeso

Meloxicam is a once-a-day prescription NSAID that eases pain, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis.

Brand namesMobic, Anjeso
Type of medicineNSAID (pain reliever)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

What it's used for

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Juvenile arthritis

How to take it

  • Take it once a day with food or milk.
  • Use the lowest dose for the shortest time that works.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling in the legs
Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
Call 911Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools
Call your provider todayPeeing much less, or sudden weight gain or swelling

Warnings

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. Ask a provider first if you have heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are over 60.
  • Don't use right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Don't take with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or daily aspirin unless your provider says to.
  • Blood thinners, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and raise lithium and methotrexate levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your provider says to. Ask before using it at any point in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.