Generic name: Meloxicam

Why is this medication prescribed?
Meloxicam is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis. It works by decreasing the body's production of prostaglandin, a substance that causes inflammation and pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Meloxicam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take meloxicam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your arthritis symptoms should improve within several weeks of beginning meloxicam. If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen, call your doctor. Do not stop taking meloxicam without talking to your doctor. Arthritis symptoms will return if you stop taking meloxicam.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking meloxicam,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to meloxicam, aspirin, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin), betamethasone (Celestone), benazapril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), cholestyramine (Cholybar, Questran, Questran Light), cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), diuretics (''water pills''), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), fludrocortisone (Florinef), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), lithium (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithobid, others), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), methylprednisolone (Medrol), moexipril (Univasc), prednisolone (Prelone), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), triamcinolone (Aristocort), and vitamins or herbal products.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; liver, kidney, or heart disease: a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or an NSAID; nasal polyps; ulcers; gastrointestinal disease; a history of alcohol abuse; or if you currently smoke tobacco products.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking meloxicam, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking meloxicam.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from meloxicam are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• weight gain
• dizziness
• headache
• muscle, joint, or back pain
• difficulty sleeping
• cough
• frequent urination

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• difficulty breathing
• respiratory infection
• urinary tract infection
• bloody diarrhea or black tarry stools
• itching
• abdominal pain
• excessive tiredness
• vomiting
• flu-like symptoms
• dark urine
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to meloxicam.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.