Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes used to treat psoriatic arthritis (PsA). They can help with PsA symptoms like pain and swelling.

While some NSAIDs are available over the counter, others require a prescription. Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID formerly sold under the brand name Mobic. Only generic versions are now available in the United States.

Meloxicam is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat other conditions that affect the joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Although it’s not officially approved for PsA, doctors may recommend meloxicam to treat PsA symptoms. Several members of MyPsoriasisTeam have reported using this medication, either currently or previously.

If you have PsA, you may have the option to try different pain medication options. If meloxicam is suitable for you, you may want to learn more about what it’s like to take this medication. Here are some points to consider.

1. Meloxicam Can Help Relieve PsA Symptoms

Meloxicam can’t cure PsA and other types of arthritis. However, it can lessen symptoms, including joint pain, aching, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms will come back if meloxicam is your only treatment and you stop taking it. Doctors may recommend meloxicam for short-term use to help manage pain and swelling.

There hasn’t been much research to help pinpoint exactly how often NSAIDs work to help symptoms of PsA. However, some members of MyPsoriasisTeam say they find these medications helpful. “Meloxicam works well,” commented one member.

2. Meloxicam May Be Used in Older Adults With Caution

Some pain relievers can be risky for older adults. Meloxicam can be used safely in many older people, but it should be prescribed with care. Older adults may be more sensitive to the drug’s side effects, such as stomach bleeding, heart problems, and kidney issues. Doctors may start with a lower dose and monitor for these effects.

3. Meloxicam Shouldn’t Be Combined With Certain Drugs

When combined, certain medications can interact, leading to additional side effects or reducing their effectiveness. If you want to use meloxicam, first tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, such as:

• Aspirin and other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
• Blood thinners
• Steroids
• Some antidepressants
• Medications that lower blood pressure levels, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics

There may be other medications that you take over the counter or that are not prescribed by a healthcare provider. Let your doctor know about these medications as well. If you take these drugs or any others that could interact with meloxicam, your doctor may recommend changing your treatment plan or lowering your dose of certain medications.

4. NSAIDs Aren’t for Everyone

NSAIDs generally work well and are safe, but they may be more likely to cause problems for people with other conditions.

NSAIDs can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The overall risk is small, but your doctor may recommend avoiding these drugs if you have certain characteristics that increase your risk, such as:

• Heart disease or family history of heart disease
• Recent or history of heart attacks
• A history of smoking
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

It’s also dangerous to take meloxicam before or after undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure is used to treat clogged blood vessels. If you need this surgery, ask your healthcare team when you should stop taking NSAIDs before the procedure and when it’s safe to start again.

Your doctor may also advise against meloxicam if you have other health conditions, including asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, or a gastric ulcer.

5. Meloxicam Can Cause Side Effects

If you take meloxicam, you may notice some common side effects such as sore throat, diarrhea, constipation, or gas (which can cause bloating or burping).

Meloxicam can sometimes cause other side effects that can be signs of a severe problem. Tell your doctor right away if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Rash
• Blisters or peeling skin
• Itching
• Swelling in your face, mouth, or eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Swallowing problems
• Nausea
• Pain or swelling in your abdomen
• Back pain
• A fast heartbeat
• Swelling in your feet or legs
• Jaundice (yellowish-appearing skin or eyes)
• Pain during urination
• Blood in your urine

To reduce your risk of side effects, use your medication exactly as recommended by your healthcare provider. You are more likely to experience problems if you:

• Use higher doses
• Take meloxicam more often than directed
• Don’t follow other medical advice when using these drugs

6. Meloxicam May Lead to Complications

Meloxicam may lead to long-term complications or additional health issues.

Meloxicam slightly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Get emergency medical care if you notice heart attack symptoms like:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Breathing difficulties
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Pain in your arms, neck, back, or jaw

You should also keep an eye out for stroke symptoms including:

• Weakness in part of your body
• Slurred speech
• Numbness or drooping on one side of your face

NSAIDs like meloxicam can also damage tissues of the digestive system, leading to stomach ulcers or bleeding. “I had issues with meloxicam,” said one member. “I think it hurt my stomach.”

7. Other Painkillers May Be an Option

You may want to weigh meloxicam’s risks and benefits against those of other possible PsA treatments.

Ask your doctor about other NSAIDs. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in this category include ibuprofen (sold as Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

Other prescription NSAID options include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), and the generics fenoprofen and ketorolac. Many strong NSAIDs can harm your stomach, but celecoxib is less likely to lead to stomach issues.

Talk to your rheumatologist if your PsA treatment plan isn’t working. “I’ve been on meloxicam daily for over a year, but I really do not find that it helps,” said a MyPsoriasisTeam member. “I just switched to a different prescription NSAID and am hoping that I have better results with it.”

Another member shared that they switched from meloxicam to OTC NSAIDs, saying, “I decided to stop taking meloxicam and went back to three Advil every four to six hours.”

Do not make medication changes without letting your rheumatologist know. They need to be aware of what you are taking to prevent any medication interactions or other complications.

8. You May Need Other PsA Treatments in Addition to NSAIDs

Meloxicam can relieve symptoms but doesn’t actually treat your underlying disease. For this, your doctor may suggest other PsA treatments.

Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) help slow PsA and prevent long-term joint damage. Biologic DMARDs help reduce inflammation and the resulting joint symptoms. Targeted synthetic DMARDs and some oral medications also address inflammation in PsA.

9. Meloxicam Is Often Used With Other PsA Treatments

Meloxicam can often be used in addition to other PsA treatment options to relieve symptoms while controlling your disease.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member explained, “I’m on several topical creams/ointments, meloxicam, and sulfasalazine.”

Another shared, “I just took my gabapentin, Tylenol, and meloxicam.”

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