Mobic (meloxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID) predominantly used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis provided the patient weighs at least 60 kg (132 lbs).

The medication helps alleviate a number of symptoms associated with arthritis, including:

• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Joint stiffness
• Joint pain

Mobic is sometimes used to alleviate other types of pain, such as headaches, sprains, back pain and so forth. While some individuals find Mobic to be highly effective in these cases, most find it comparable to more widely-available and less costly NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Mobic is convenient in that taking one tablet once a day provides all-day pain relief, while other NSAIDs often require multiple doses throughout the day. Mobic is also non-addictive.

Regardless of what it's used for, treatment should be short term; Mobic should not be taken daily for more than a few weeks at a time. If it is taken long-term, it's important to attend regular checkups to monitor for developing side effects; like all NSAIDs, frequent use of Mobic can cause serious, even life-threatening complications.

Managing Arthritis Symptoms with Mobic

Mobic is typically used as-needed to ease symptoms during arthritis flare-ups. Patients are generally started on 7.5 mg per day, which can be increased to 15 mg per day if 7.5 mg does not provide complete relief. Patients should not exceed 15 mg in one day.

Effects are usually noticeable within 30 minutes of taking a tablet. Maximum benefits will be felt within one hour of administration, and will remain for about 12 hours. After 12 hours effects will gradually begin to wear off.

Tablets may be taken with or without food as desired. They should not be split, crushed, or dissolved. Patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets should speak with a doctor about getting a prepared oral solution, or consider alternative options.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

As with any medication, the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time is preferable. With NSAIDs the risk of side effects and their severity increase directly with duration of use, and Mobic is no exception.

With short-term use in otherwise healthy patients most side effects are mild, if experienced at all. The most common side effects associated with Mobic include:

• Mild stomach upset
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Mild dizziness

When used long-term, or when other medical conditions are present, side effects are a greater concern. The medication can:

• Increase blood pressure
• Increase risk of blood clots
• Increase potassium levels in the blood
• Irritate the stomach or bowels
• Cause liver or kidney problems

Patients already experiencing or at risk of the above complications will need to be alert for symptoms of problems; for example a patient who is already at risk of high blood pressure due to diabetes is at considerably greater risk of experiencing high blood pressure complications if taking Mobic (or any NSAID). In this instance blood pressure should be monitored closely for the duration of treatment.

Many of the more serious side effects from Mobic are not readily apparent to the patient and can only be detected through laboratory tests; regular screenings are strongly encouraged for at-risk patients or anyone taking NSAIDs long-term.

Mobic, or any other NSAID, should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy; it can cause complications during birth.