INDICATIONS: What Mobic (meloxicam) Is Used For
Mobic (generic name: meloxicam) is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In the United States, its FDA-approved indications include the management of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. By lowering inflammatory signaling, Mobic helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, improving day-to-day function for many people with arthritis.
Although meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, has analgesic and antipyretic properties, it is not specifically approved in the U.S. for primary dysmenorrhea or fever. Other NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen or naproxen) are more commonly used and labeled for those purposes. Your prescriber will determine whether Mobic is appropriate for any off-label use based on your medical history, risks, and concurrent medications.
Important context: Mobic addresses symptoms of pain and inflammation; it does not modify the underlying disease processes of arthritis. For long-term joint protection and disease control—especially in rheumatoid arthritis—disease-modifying therapies and lifestyle strategies may be required alongside symptom relief.
HOW MOBIC WORKS: NSAID Mechanism in Plain Language
Mobic belongs to the NSAID class and exerts its effect by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that amplify inflammation, sensitize pain receptors, and raise body temperature during illness. Meloxicam is considered COX-2–preferential at typical doses, meaning it tends to inhibit the COX-2 pathway (more involved in inflammation) relatively more than COX-1 (more involved in protecting the stomach lining and platelet function). This COX-2 preference may translate into less gastric irritation than some nonselective NSAIDs for some patients, but the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration and bleeding remains real and clinically important. All NSAIDs, including Mobic, also carry class-wide cardiovascular and renal safety considerations.
INSTRUCTIONS: How to Take Mobic Safely and Effectively
Always use Mobic exactly as directed by your prescribing clinician. Do not exceed the lowest effective dose or the shortest duration needed to control symptoms.
- Administration: Take Mobic by mouth once daily, with or without food. Taking it with food or milk can reduce stomach upset, but it does not prevent serious GI side effects.
- Hydration: Swallow tablets with a full glass of water unless otherwise instructed. Staying well hydrated is especially important in hot weather, during illness, or if you take diuretics.
- Pediatric use: For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, pediatric dosing is weight-based and typically uses the oral suspension. A pediatric specialist should determine the exact dose and formulation. Do not estimate doses for children.
- Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is near the time of your next dose. Do not double up.
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs: Avoid taking Mobic with ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, aspirin used for pain, or other prescription/OTC NSAIDs unless specifically instructed by your clinician.
- Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol, which heightens GI bleeding risk when combined with NSAIDs.
- Pre-surgical guidance: NSAIDs are often paused before surgery or certain procedures. Follow your surgeon’s or prescriber’s instructions.
Typical adult dosing for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis begins at 7.5 mg once daily, with some patients requiring up to 15 mg once daily. Use the lowest effective dose. In patients on hemodialysis or with significant renal impairment, dosing limits are lower; your prescriber will advise you. Do not change your dose without medical guidance.
STORAGE: Keep Mobic in Optimal Condition
- Temperature: Store at room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions to 15–30°C (59–86°F) are generally acceptable.
- Environment: Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Safety: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use child-resistant containers and lockboxes when needed.
- Disposal: If your medication is expired or no longer needed, use a take-back program when available. Do not flush unless labeling specifically instructs you to do so.
MORE INFORMATION: Active Ingredient and Formulations
Active ingredient: Meloxicam. Mobic is available in tablet and oral suspension formulations. Brand and generic versions contain the same active ingredient when approved as therapeutically equivalent. Select the formulation your prescriber recommends, especially in pediatric care where the oral suspension enables weight-based dosing and precise titration.
DO NOT USE MOBIC IF: Contraindications You Should Know
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to meloxicam or any component of the formulation.
- History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (aspirin triad). Life-threatening anaphylaxis can occur.
- Use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. NSAIDs increase risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in this context.
- Active GI bleeding, recent gastric or duodenal ulcer, or a history of recurrent peptic ulcer/bleeding unless a prescriber deems benefits outweigh risks and protection strategies are in place.
- Late pregnancy (third trimester). NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and other harms. From 20 weeks onward, NSAIDs can also lead to fetal renal dysfunction and oligohydramnios; avoid unless specifically directed by your obstetric provider.
Discuss with your clinician if any of these apply to you. Even if you do not have formal contraindications, NSAIDs may still pose substantial risks in particular conditions.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE CAUTION
- Cardiovascular disease: history of heart attack, stroke, angina, peripheral arterial disease, or risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking. NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events.
- Gastrointestinal risk: previous ulcer, GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, H. pylori infection, or use of alcohol/tobacco. The elderly face higher GI risk.
- Renal impairment or dehydration: NSAIDs may reduce renal blood flow, causing acute kidney injury. Risk is increased with diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and in volume depletion.
- Hepatic impairment: monitor for worsening liver function; discontinue if signs of hepatic injury occur.
- Asthma or nasal polyps: NSAIDs can trigger bronchospasm in susceptible individuals.
- Bleeding disorders or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.
- Dermatologic history of severe skin reactions: rare but serious events such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.
- Poor general health, frailty, or low body weight: may be more sensitive to adverse effects.
Always provide your full medical history to your prescriber so risks can be weighed and, where appropriate, mitigated.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: What to Discuss With Your Clinician
Many medicines and supplements interact with NSAIDs. The following categories are especially important:
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban), heparins, and antiplatelet agents (including aspirin used for cardioprotection). Combining increases bleeding risk; careful monitoring and gastroprotection may be considered.
- SSRIs/SNRIs and other serotonergic antidepressants: fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, venlafaxine. Combined use may increase GI bleeding risk.
- Other NSAIDs and salicylates: additive toxicity without added benefit; avoid combinations unless directed.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs and diuretics: enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan; furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide. Together with NSAIDs, these can reduce kidney function and blunt antihypertensive/diuretic effects. Monitor blood pressure and renal function.
- Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium levels and increase toxicity risk; monitoring and dose adjustment may be required.
- Methotrexate: NSAIDs may increase methotrexate levels and toxicity, especially at higher methotrexate doses; monitor closely.
- Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: increased risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with NSAIDs; caution and monitoring necessary.
- Pemetrexed and select chemotherapeutics: certain NSAIDs can increase toxicity; timing and avoidance strategies may be needed.
- Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine): can increase meloxicam clearance and reduce exposure; your clinician may adjust timing or dosing.
- Alcohol, corticosteroids: additive GI toxicity and bleeding risk; consider gastroprotection where appropriate.
- Herbals/supplements: ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, high-dose fish oil, and others can affect bleeding risk. Always disclose supplements.
This is not a complete list. Provide your health care team with a current list of all prescription medicines, OTC drugs, vitamins, and herbal products you use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND BLACK BOX WARNINGS
- Cardiovascular risk: NSAIDs increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. Risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors are at higher risk.
- Gastrointestinal risk: NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious GI adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and those with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk.
- Hypertension and fluid retention: NSAIDs can lead to new-onset or worsened high blood pressure and edema. Monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Renal toxicity: Risk of kidney injury is higher in dehydrated individuals, older adults, those with pre-existing renal impairment, and patients taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors/ARBs. Stop NSAIDs and seek care if you notice reduced urination or swelling.
- Hepatic effects: Elevations in liver enzymes may occur. Discontinue if signs and symptoms of liver disease develop (e.g., persistent nausea, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, right upper quadrant tenderness).
- Serious skin reactions: Discontinue at the first appearance of rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Seek urgent care for blistering, peeling skin, mucosal lesions, or fever with rash.
- Anaphylactoid reactions: Severe, sometimes life-threatening reactions can occur, especially in patients with history of aspirin-sensitive asthma. Seek emergency care for wheezing, facial or tongue swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Hematologic effects: NSAIDs may cause anemia due to occult or overt blood loss, fluid retention, or an effect on erythropoiesis. Monitoring may be indicated in long-term therapy.
- Fertility: NSAIDs may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, potentially reversible with discontinuation. Discuss if you are attempting to conceive.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Avoid NSAIDs at 20 weeks gestation and later unless specifically directed due to fetal risks, and do not use in the third trimester. Small amounts of meloxicam may pass into breast milk; discuss with your clinician whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, considering importance to the mother.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Common and Serious Side Effects
Not everyone experiences side effects, and many are mild and transient. Stop the medication and seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms.
- Common effects: dyspepsia, heartburn, stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, gas, dizziness, headache, and mild fluid retention. Taking Mobic with food can help stomach upset but does not prevent ulcers or bleeding.
- Concerning symptoms requiring prompt medical evaluation: black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, severe abdominal pain; chest pain, shortness of breath, unilateral weakness, trouble speaking; sudden swelling of legs or rapid weight gain; decreased urination; yellowing of eyes/skin; persistent fever or sore throat; severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling; signs of allergic reaction such as hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; severe or persistent headache or confusion; unusual bruising or bleeding.
This is not an exhaustive list. Report adverse effects to your prescriber and, when appropriate, through FDA MedWatch.
SAFE USE TIPS: Getting the Most Benefit With the Least Risk
- Start low, go slow: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to control symptoms.
- Know your risk profile: If you have GI or cardiovascular risk factors, discuss whether you need gastroprotection (e.g., a proton pump inhibitor) or alternative therapies.
- Avoid duplication: Check combination cold/flu or pain products for hidden NSAIDs.
- Monitor: For long-term users, periodic checks of blood pressure, kidney function, and, when indicated, blood counts and liver enzymes may be advised.
- Lifestyle pairing: Weight management, physical therapy, joint-friendly exercise, heat/cold therapy, and assistive devices can reduce reliance on pain medication.
- When pain persists: If you need Mobic daily for weeks, or pain escalates, re-evaluate with your clinician. Adjustments or disease-modifying strategies may be needed.
WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM MOBIC: Patient Profiles
- Adults with osteoarthritis whose pain flares with activity and whose function improves with NSAID therapy.
- Adults with rheumatoid arthritis who need an NSAID adjunct to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for symptomatic control.
- Children aged 2 years and older with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, when a clinician selects meloxicam as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often using the oral suspension for precise dosing.
People with high GI or cardiovascular risk may require alternative strategies or protective measures. Decision-making should be individualized.
SPECIAL POPULATIONS AND SITUATIONS
- Elderly: Higher risk of GI bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. Consider lower initial doses and close monitoring.
- Renal impairment: Avoid use in severe renal impairment unless the patient is on hemodialysis, in which case a reduced maximum dose may apply. Monitor renal function.
- Hepatic impairment: Use cautiously; monitor liver enzymes if clinically indicated.
- Asthma: Avoid in aspirin-sensitive asthma; use caution and have an action plan if asthma is present.
- Pregnancy: Avoid at 20 weeks gestation and later unless essential and directed by an obstetric clinician; contraindicated in the third trimester.
- Breastfeeding: Discuss risks and benefits. Consider timing doses after nursing or choosing alternative analgesics depending on clinical need.
PRACTICAL CHECKLIST BEFORE STARTING MOBIC
- Share a complete medication and supplement list with your clinician and pharmacist.
- Review your personal GI, cardiovascular, kidney, and liver history.
- Discuss alcohol intake, smoking status, and H. pylori risk factors.
- Clarify whether you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Confirm dose, formulation, and timing, especially for pediatric therapy.
- Set monitoring expectations: which labs or blood pressure checks are needed and when.
- Know warning signs that require urgent care.
COMPARING MOBIC TO OTHER NSAIDs
All NSAIDs share core benefits and risks. Differences include dosing frequency, COX selectivity, half-life, and patient experience.
- COX-2 preference: Meloxicam’s relative COX-2 preference may result in somewhat less gastric irritation at typical doses compared with some nonselective NSAIDs, but serious GI events still occur. It is not as COX-2 selective as celecoxib.
- Once-daily dosing: The long half-life of meloxicam supports once-daily convenience, which some patients prefer.
- Cardiovascular and renal risks: Class risks apply across NSAIDs and should guide individualized choice based on comorbidities and concomitant drugs.
- Gastroprotection: For high-risk patients, adding a PPI or selecting a different strategy may be advisable regardless of the NSAID chosen.
REAL-WORLD TIPS FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH MOBIC
- Plan doses consistently: Taking Mobic at the same time daily can provide steadier symptom control.
- Pair with movement: Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, or tai chi can enhance pain relief and joint function.
- Mind your gut: If you have GI risk factors, discuss gastroprotective therapy. Report any early GI symptoms promptly.
- Check your blood pressure: Especially in the first weeks and after any dose change or medication additions.
- Watch your kidneys: Stay hydrated; report decreases in urination or swelling. Consider lab checks if you are on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics.
- Don’t stack NSAIDs: If you need extra pain relief, ask about acetaminophen or non-pharmacologic techniques instead of adding another NSAID.
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS BEFORE YOU START
- Mobic (meloxicam) is an NSAID used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis symptom relief.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
- Serious risks include GI bleeding, ulcers, kidney injury, and cardiovascular events; be alert for warning signs.
- Interactions are common—review your full medication list with a professional.
- Special precautions apply in pregnancy, breastfeeding, the elderly, and those with cardiac, renal, hepatic, or GI conditions.
MOBIC U.S. SALE AND PRESCRIPTION POLICY
In the United States, Mobic (meloxicam) is a prescription-only medication regulated by the FDA. It is not legally available for purchase without a valid prescription from a licensed health care professional. U.S. pharmacies—whether community, mail-order, or online—must verify a valid prescription before dispensing meloxicam. Claims of “no prescription necessary” for Mobic should be treated as red flags for illegitimate or unsafe sources.
If you believe Mobic may be appropriate for your condition, consider the following lawful options:
- Consult your clinician: A primary care provider, rheumatologist, or pediatric specialist (for JIA) can evaluate your medical history, assess risks, and prescribe meloxicam if appropriate.
- Telehealth: Many licensed U.S. telemedicine platforms can provide evidence-based evaluation and, when warranted, electronically send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy.
- Accredited pharmacies: Use state-licensed pharmacies. For online services, look for accreditation signals such as the NABP’s .pharmacy domain or listings in LegitScript or state boards of pharmacy.
- Affordability support: Ask about generics, pharmacy discount programs, manufacturer assistance, or prescription savings cards that can substantially reduce cost.
Note on institutional services: Rehabilitation hospitals and similar facilities follow federal and state prescribing and dispensing laws. They do not provide prescription-only medications to outpatients without a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber. If you need help accessing care, these institutions can often connect you with legitimate clinical services, social work resources, or referral pathways, but any dispensing of Mobic requires a prescription in accordance with U.S. law. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Worth can assist patients by guiding them through lawful, structured care pathways; however, obtaining Mobic without a formal prescription is not permitted under U.S. regulations.
Mobic FAQ
Mobic is a prescription NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that reduces pain and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes; it’s commonly used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Mobic treats arthritis-related pain, swelling, and stiffness, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some musculoskeletal pain when an NSAID is appropriate.
Meloxicam is COX-2–preferential, so it lowers inflammatory prostaglandins to relieve pain and swelling while being somewhat gentler on the stomach than nonselective NSAIDs, though GI risks still exist.
Pain relief can begin within a few hours of the first dose, but the full anti-inflammatory effect may take several days to 2 weeks of consistent dosing.
Mobic has a long half-life (about 15–20 hours), providing 24-hour coverage with once-daily dosing for most people.
Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily with a full glass of water; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed and avoid combining with other NSAIDs unless advised.
You can take Mobic with or without food; taking it with food or milk may reduce stomach upset.
Common effects include stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, headache, and edema; many are mild and improve with dose adjustment or food.
Seek help for chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sudden weakness, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, little or no urine, swelling, or severe rash.
Avoid Mobic if you have an aspirin/NSAID allergy, active GI bleeding or recent ulcer, severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, uncontrolled heart failure, or right before/after coronary bypass surgery.
All non-aspirin NSAIDs may raise cardiovascular risk, especially with higher doses, longer use, and in people with heart disease; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Important interactions include anticoagulants and antiplatelets (bleeding risk), SSRIs/SNRIs and corticosteroids (GI bleeding), other NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs/diuretics (kidney risk), lithium, and methotrexate.
Yes, acetaminophen and Mobic can be used together in many cases because they act differently; stay within labeled doses and confirm with your clinician if you have liver disease or heavy alcohol use.
Mobic is available as oral tablets and an oral suspension in multiple strengths; generics of meloxicam are widely available.
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose; don’t double up—resume your regular schedule.
Call emergency services or poison control; overdose may cause severe GI bleeding, kidney injury, drowsiness, nausea, and breathing problems.
Yes; NSAIDs can reduce kidney blood flow and may raise liver enzymes; risk is higher in dehydration, older age, preexisting disease, or with ACE inhibitors/ARBs/diuretics—your clinician may monitor labs.
It can; all NSAIDs can irritate the GI lining and cause ulcers or bleeding. Risk increases with prior ulcers, higher doses, alcohol, steroids, anticoagulants, and SSRIs/SNRIs; gastroprotection may be considered for high-risk patients.
Some people use it long term under medical supervision; periodic evaluation of cardiovascular, GI, kidney, and liver risks is important, and using the lowest effective dose reduces harm.
No, Mobic is not an opioid and is not habit-forming, but it carries other risks typical of NSAIDs.
Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding with Mobic; limit or avoid alcohol, and seek help if you notice black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain.
Avoid Mobic in the third trimester due to risks to the baby’s heart and kidneys and reduced amniotic fluid; from 20 weeks onward it’s generally avoided; discuss safer alternatives with your obstetric provider.
Small amounts may pass into breast milk; brief use may be acceptable in some cases, but safer alternatives are often preferred—discuss with your clinician.
Yes; NSAIDs can increase bleeding risk. Many surgeons recommend stopping Mobic 3–7 days before a procedure—follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Caution is needed; Mobic can aggravate ulcers. Your clinician may avoid it or add stomach protection (e.g., a PPI) and use the lowest effective dose if benefits outweigh risks.
NSAIDs can worsen kidney function, especially with CKD or dehydration; hydrate well and consult your clinician—dose changes or alternative therapies may be needed.
It can be used cautiously, but older adults have higher risks of GI bleeding, kidney issues, and cardiovascular events; lower doses and close monitoring are often recommended.
Mobic is not sedating for most people, but dizziness or drowsiness can occur; until you know how you react, use caution with driving or operating machinery.
Both are NSAIDs; Mobic is once daily and COX-2–preferential, which may be gentler on the stomach at equipotent doses, while ibuprofen often requires dosing every 6–8 hours; overall risks are similar when adjusted for dose and duration.
Naproxen may be more neutral for cardiovascular risk but can cause more GI upset in some; Mobic offers once-daily dosing with similar efficacy for arthritis; choose based on individual risk factors and response.
Diclofenac often provides strong anti-inflammatory effects but may carry higher cardiovascular risk; Mobic’s once-daily dosing and COX-2 preference may help GI tolerability; both share GI and renal risks.
Celecoxib is more COX-2 selective, often leading to fewer GI ulcers at comparable efficacy, but cardiovascular and renal risks persist; Mobic is less selective but still GI-sparing versus nonselective NSAIDs for some patients.
Indomethacin is potent but has more CNS side effects (e.g., headache, dizziness) and GI risk; Mobic is often better tolerated for chronic arthritis and is dosed once daily.
Ketorolac is for short-term, acute pain only (typically ≤5 days) due to high GI and renal risk; Mobic is suited for ongoing arthritis management with once-daily dosing.
Piroxicam has a very long half-life but higher GI toxicity; Mobic generally offers a better GI tolerability profile with similar once-daily convenience.
Nabumetone is a prodrug that may be gentler on the stomach; Mobic is COX-2–preferential with comparable efficacy; individual tolerability varies.
Both are COX-2–preferential; efficacy for arthritis is similar, and GI tolerability may be improved versus nonselective NSAIDs; dosing frequency differs by formulation.
Oxaprozin has a long half-life with once-daily dosing; efficacy is similar, but individual differences in GI, renal, and cardiovascular tolerability determine the better choice.
Sulindac is a prodrug sometimes used when other NSAIDs cause side effects; Mobic’s COX-2 preference may offer GI advantages; both share class risks and require monitoring.
Low-dose aspirin is mainly for cardioprotection, not arthritis pain; high-dose aspirin can relieve pain but with high GI risk; Mobic is typically preferred for chronic arthritis pain, but should not replace low-dose aspirin used for heart protection.
If your clinician prescribes both, it may be appropriate, but the combination increases GI bleeding risk; stomach protection and careful monitoring are often recommended, and doses should be separated to minimize interaction.
Written on 2 March, 2023: Laura Jenkins
Re-written on 8 October, 2025: Cristina Matera, MD