Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usually prescribed for pain relief caused by rheumatoid diseases like arthritis. Meloxicam works by minimising the synthesis of hormones that cause pain and inflammation. It is also used for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children of at least 2 years old.

In adults, the drug is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with acute attacks of osteoarthritis. It is also used for long-term treatment symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Meloxicam belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. These drugs reduce mild to moderate pain, prevent blood clots, decrease fever and in higher doses, reduce inflammation. Like any other NSAID it works by blocking the enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are special hormones, which are created on the injury spot to trigger pain and inflammation.

By reducing the levels of prostaglandins pain within the blood stream, inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated.

Meloxicam anti-inflammatory tablets are very effective for minimising pain and inflammation associated with rheumatic disorders like osteoarthritis. It is a strong painkiller and works well for the following.

• Reducing inflammation
• Minimising pain
• Reducing stiffness and swelling especially of the joints.

Always take Meloxicam tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or your local pharmacist before administering this medication. It can be administered in two ways:

• It can be taken orally, or
• It can be taken by an injection, which is given as an infusion into the vein.

The intravenous injection can only be given by a healthcare professional.

How to Take Meloxicam Orally

• Place the tablet in your mouth.
• Allow it dissolve in your mouth, without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
• If your mouth is dry, moisten it with water first.
• This medication can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take more than the recommended maximum dose.

The dosage of this medication depends on your condition. Usually the initial dosage for adults with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is 7.5 mg orally once a day.

The dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s response to the medication. The doctor may also change your dose if your weight changes. The maximum dose for this medication is 15mg. It is same for both oral tablets and oral disintegrating tablets. Meloxicam dosage for pain is 30 mg IV (intravenous) bolus (over 15 seconds) once a day.

Before Taking Meloxicam

• Make sure that you are not allergic or intolerant to Meloxicam or any other ingredient present in the tablets.
• Do not take it if you are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, a bleeding disorder or any other heart, liver or kidney disease.
• Meloxicam disintegrating tablets contain a sweetener aspartame (E951), which produces phenylalanine. So if you have an inherited disorder called phenylketonuria, make sure your doctor knows about it.

While Taking Meloxicam

• It is better to avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking while taking Meloxicam can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Never take aspirin or any other NSAID without consulting your doctor first.
• Before using any prescription or non-prescription drugs (especially if they contain ingredients similar to Meloxicam), ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as possible. Do not take the missed dose if it is already time for the next onea. Never take two doses at a single time.

Long-term treatment with NSAIDs like Meloxicam can increase the risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk occurs early in treatment and increases with duration of use.

Like any other medication, Meloxicam also has its side effects. Every individual administering this medication may experience its side effects differently.

Common side effects of Meloxicam include disturbances of the gut like constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting and nausea. Other common side effects include skin rashes, swelling legs and ankles, headaches, light-headedness and anaemia.

Some uncommon and rare side effects of the medication include hives, hypersensitivity, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, salt and water retention, high blood potassium levels, liver problems (like hepatitis) and changes in kidney function. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Meloxicam is indicated for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Pain and inflammation
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

You can buy Meloxicam UK Tablets  online through one of the UK’s leading online pharmacies, Pharmacy Planet. It's easy and convenient. Meloxicam is not a non-prescription medicine, so you will need to fill out a short assessment and the item will be delivered directly to your door. If you want to buy Meloxicam online, use Pharmacy Planet, a UK pharmacy you can trust.