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Meloxicam is a prescription medication used to treat musculoskeletal pain. It belongs to a class of medicines called NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Meloxicam blocks an enzyme called COX-2, which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and fever.

By reducing prostaglandin production, Meloxicam helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Meloxicam is suitable for adults with musculoskeletal pain. It's safe for most people to take, but there are some exceptions.

You should not take this medicine if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient, Meloxicam or any other ingredients in this medicine
• Have a history of asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Are having coronary artery bypass graft surgery

You should also avoid taking this medicine or speak to your doctor if you:

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heartburn, indigestion, ulcers or other stomach problems
• Kidney or liver disease
• Asthma or any other breathing problems
• Are about to undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery
• Have heart disease with shortness of breath, and fluid build-up
• Experience bleeding from the stomach or gut
• Have had a stroke resulting from a bleed in the brain
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Have a galactose intolerance
• Have Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis
• Are pregnant or breast feeding

Tell your doctor if you take any other medicines, natural health products, or supplements. Meloxicam may affect how other medicines work and vice versa. Tell your doctor if you are currently taking the following medicines:

• Antifungals (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g. sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin)
• Aspirin, salicylates or other NSAIDs
• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, heparin and ticlopidine)
• Medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems (e.g. ACE inhibitors, diuretics)
• Lithium (to treat some types of depression)
• Antidepressants
• Methotrexate
• Ciclosporin
• Terfenadine and astemizole
• Diabetes medicines
• Colestyramine for high cholesterol
• Corticosteroids
• Medicines used to treat irregular heart beats (e.g. amiodarone, quinidine)

For a complete list of precautions and medicine interactions, consult the patient information leaflet.

If you have never taken this medication before, the recommended starting dose is 7.5mg.

Meloxicam usually starts to work within 1 to 2 hours and reaches its peak level in the blood after 4 to 5 hours. The full anti-inflammatory effects may take a few days to a week to occur.

Common side effects:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea, or vomiting
• Heartburn, indigestion, belching
• Cramps or pain
• Headache

Rare but serious side effects:

You should stop taking Meloxicam and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Bleeding from your rectum, or bloody stools
• Asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Weakness in one part or side of your body, slurred speech,
• Blurred vision or visual disturbances
• Change in the colour of your urine (red or brown)
• Pain or trouble urinating
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Swollen or sore leg veins
• Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach
• Flaky skin
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Swelling of your ankles, legs or other parts of your body
• Signs of anaemia (such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale)
• Symptoms of allergy such as a swelling of the face, lips or tongue, trouble swallowing or breathing, sudden or severe itching, skin rash or hives

Avoid taking Meloxicam with other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen). Paracetamol is generally safe however, you must always check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Yes, you can buy Meloxicam tablets online at SpeedyHealth after completing our free online consultation.

You must complete an online consultation as Meloxicam is a prescription-only medication. This process is quick and easy and allows our doctors to ensure this medicine is safe for you to take.