Mobic for Osteoarthritis: Treats Symptoms that other drugs can't.

Meloxicam is marketed in the United States under the trade name Mobic. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Other prescribed uses for Mobic are to relieve the pain of primary dysmenorrhea, to reduce fever, and as an analgesic where inflammation is involved.

One significant advantage for taking Mobic for osteoarthritis is that only one dose per day is required. The pain-relieving action of Mobic is very effective and doesn’t cause substantial gastrointestinal side effects, as other NSAIDs might.

When prescribed Mobic for osteoarthritis, patients should be aware of the possibility of gastrointestinal problems that might occur. These include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As with other NSAIDs, ulceration of the stomach is a possibility. Of particular concern is black, or very dark, stool, which is a sign of intestinal bleeding.

Other side effects often reported when prescribed Mobic for osteoarthritis are ringing in the ears, headaches, and skin rashes. Mobic inhibits thromboxane A but it seems to do so without interfering negatively with platelet function in most patients. Nevertheless, blood levels should be regularly monitored during treatment with this drug.

Mobic is metabolized in the liver and may cause serious liver impairment, although such cases are rare. If taking Mobic for osteoarthritis or for any reason, report to your prescribing physician immediately if you experience excessive fatigue, especially when it is accompanied by pain or discomfort in the area of the liver.

While taking Mobic for osteoarthritis is not entirely free of side effects, it is shown to produce less traumatic reactions than similar drugs prescribed for the same conditions.

In Europe, Mobic is marketed under the names Melox, Movalis, and Recoxa, where it is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis instead of osteoarthritis.

Veterinarians prescribe Metacam, a veterinary formulation of Mobic, when treating dogs and cattle for arthritic pain. Side effects reported in animals are similar to those reported in people taking Mobic. Its safe use in treating cats and other animals has not been established.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.