Mobic (generic name: meloxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with chronic joint conditions. Clinically, it is prescribed for osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients 2 years of age and older. By targeting the inflammatory pathways that drive joint swelling and discomfort, Mobic helps many people maintain mobility and perform everyday activities with less pain.
Meloxicam works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are key chemical mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever. Meloxicam is considered COX-2–preferential at typical doses, meaning it tends to inhibit COX-2 more than COX-1, which may translate to a lower rate of certain gastrointestinal side effects compared with some traditional NSAIDs. However, it is not COX-2–selective, and the class carries similar cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks. The therapeutic goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration compatible with individual treatment goals.
Key benefits of Mobic include sustained relief of arthritis pain, improved joint range of motion, and reduced morning stiffness. While some people notice analgesic effects within hours, the full anti-inflammatory benefit may take several days to two weeks of consistent dosing. Mobic is not a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and does not alter the long-term progression of inflammatory arthritis; it is used for symptomatic management, often alongside other therapies such as physical therapy, exercise, weight management, and, in RA, DMARDs or biologics.
Conditions where Mobic may be used under clinical guidance include:
Mobic is not appropriate for treating immediate post-operative pain following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and it is not intended for short-term pain unrelated to inflammation unless a clinician deems an NSAID suitable. It also does not treat neuropathic pain directly, though some patients with mixed pain syndromes may still benefit for their inflammatory component.
Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the drug label. Typical adult dosing for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is as follows:
Pediatric dosing for JIA (patients ≥2 years):
Administration tips:
Special dosing considerations:
Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and do not use Mobic longer than directed. If pain persists or worsens despite appropriate dosing, contact your healthcare professional to reassess your treatment plan.
NSAIDs carry boxed warnings for increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (including myocardial infarction and stroke) and for serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. These events can occur without warning and may be fatal. Risk increases with higher doses, longer duration, and in patients with underlying risk factors.
Before starting Mobic, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had:
Risk-reduction strategies while using Mobic include:
Do not take Mobic (meloxicam) if any of the following apply to you:
Like all prescription NSAIDs, Mobic can cause side effects. Many are mild and temporary; some are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Common side effects:
Less common but serious side effects (seek urgent medical care if they occur):
If you develop symptoms suggesting an adverse reaction or intolerance, stop the drug and contact your healthcare professional for guidance. Your prescriber may adjust the dose, add protective therapy, switch NSAIDs, or consider alternate analgesics.
Mobic may interact with many medicines and supplements. Provide your healthcare provider with a full list of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements. Important interactions include:
Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication while taking Mobic without consulting your prescriber. If you routinely use over-the-counter pain relievers, ask which options are safe to combine and in what circumstances.
If you miss a dose of Mobic, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Consistency is important for steady pain and inflammation control.
Symptoms of meloxicam overdose may include drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, GI bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, coma. If you suspect an overdose:
Store Mobic at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with permitted excursions to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep the medication in a dry place, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom. For oral suspension, keep the bottle tightly closed and shake well before each dose.
Keep Mobic out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medication according to local regulations or pharmacy take-back programs. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package.
Mobic (meloxicam) is an FDA-approved prescription NSAID in the United States. Federal and state law require a valid prescription issued by a licensed healthcare professional following a medical evaluation. Because NSAIDs carry potential cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal risks, dispensing is regulated and should occur through licensed U.S. pharmacies.
Key points for U.S. consumers:
Note on program-based access: Some U.S. hospitals and rehabilitation centers offer structured care pathways for arthritis management in which licensed clinicians evaluate patients on site and, when clinically appropriate, authorize necessary medications. Within such programs, patients may obtain Mobic without bringing an external, preexisting prescription because the prescribing or ordering is handled within the program by credentialed clinicians in compliance with federal and state laws. HealthSouth Walton Rehabilitation Hospital provides such a legal and structured solution, ensuring that any dispensing occurs only after appropriate clinical assessment and authorization by licensed professionals.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Drug information may change, and individual responses vary. Use Mobic only as prescribed and read the full U.S. Medication Guide and labeling that accompany your prescription.
Mobic is the brand name for meloxicam, a prescription NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Meloxicam blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandins that drive pain, swelling, and fever.
Yes, Mobic is available by prescription in most countries.
Common adult doses are 7.5 mg once daily, increased to 15 mg once daily if needed; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Yes, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 years and older; dosing is weight-based and should be guided by a pediatric specialist.
Some pain relief can appear within hours, with anti-inflammatory benefits building over several days; the long half-life (~20 hours) allows once-daily dosing.
Tablets and oral suspension; not all strengths and forms are available in every region.
Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, headache, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure.
Stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers, kidney injury, liver problems, severe allergic reactions, asthma exacerbations, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
People with a history of serious NSAID allergies, active GI bleeding or ulcers, severe kidney failure, immediately before or after coronary artery bypass surgery, and those in the later stages of pregnancy.
Yes; taking meloxicam with food or milk and a full glass of water may reduce stomach upset.
NSAIDs can increase blood pressure and blunt some blood pressure medicines; monitor regularly if you have hypertension.
Blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), SSRIs/SNRIs, steroids, lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, diuretics, other NSAIDs, and certain herbal supplements (e.g., ginkgo) increase risks.
Yes, they work differently and can be used together; avoid combining Mobic with other NSAIDs.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time to control symptoms; long-term use requires periodic monitoring of blood pressure, kidneys, liver, and GI safety.
If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose; do not double up.
No, meloxicam is not addictive and is not an opioid.
Yes; NSAIDs can reduce kidney blood flow, especially in dehydration, older age, or with ACE/ARB plus diuretic; stay hydrated and monitor if at risk.
All non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase cardiovascular risk, especially at higher doses and longer use; discuss your risk profile with your clinician.
Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, severe stomach pain, or unexplained weakness/lightheadedness warrant immediate medical attention.
Alcohol increases the risk of stomach irritation and GI bleeding with NSAIDs; limit or avoid alcohol while using meloxicam.
It’s safer to skip the dose until you’re rehydrated and your stomach has settled; combining meloxicam with heavy alcohol use raises bleeding and kidney risks.
Avoid meloxicam in the third trimester and generally after 20 weeks due to fetal kidney risks and premature ductus arteriosus closure; use earlier in pregnancy only if clearly needed and directed by your clinician.
Human data are limited; small amounts are expected in milk. Short-term use may be acceptable, but safer alternatives (like ibuprofen) are often preferred, especially with newborns; discuss with your provider.
Yes; because meloxicam can increase bleeding, many surgeons advise stopping 3–7 days before procedures; follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
Risk is higher; consider alternatives or protect the stomach with a PPI or misoprostol as advised, avoid alcohol and smoking, and never combine with another NSAID.
Use cautiously; NSAIDs may increase cardiovascular risk. Naproxen may be preferred for some high-risk patients, but individual decisions vary.
NSAIDs can worsen kidney function; avoid in moderate-to-severe CKD and during dehydration or acute illness. If benefits outweigh risks, use the lowest dose with close monitoring.
If you have aspirin-sensitive asthma or nasal polyps, NSAIDs can trigger bronchospasm; avoid unless a clinician confirms it’s safe.
The combination increases bleeding risk; avoid if possible or use only with careful monitoring and clear medical guidance.
The combo can raise methotrexate levels and toxicity risk, especially at higher methotrexate doses; use only under specialist supervision with monitoring.
Both are NSAIDs; meloxicam’s longer half-life allows once-daily dosing, while ibuprofen is taken every 6–8 hours. At equivalent anti-inflammatory doses, effectiveness is similar; GI and cardiovascular risks depend on dose and duration.
Both help arthritis pain. Naproxen often requires twice-daily dosing and may have a more favorable cardiovascular profile, while meloxicam is once daily and somewhat COX-2–preferential, which may reduce GI irritation at comparable effect.
Diclofenac may carry a higher cardiovascular risk, while both share GI and renal risks. Topical diclofenac can be safer for localized joint pain; oral choices should be tailored to your risk factors.
Both are COX-2–preferential; celecoxib is more selective and may cause fewer GI ulcers at similar analgesia, with comparable cardiovascular risk at moderate doses. Celecoxib may suit those with high GI risk but requires individual assessment.
Indomethacin is potent and often used for acute gout but has more CNS side effects (dizziness, headache) and GI risk; meloxicam is better tolerated for chronic arthritis management.
Ketorolac is for short-term moderate-to-severe acute pain (often post-op) and should not exceed 5 days due to high GI/renal risk; meloxicam is for ongoing arthritis pain and is not for acute severe pain spikes.
Piroxicam has a very long half-life and similar anti-inflammatory effects but a higher rate of GI complications; it’s less commonly chosen for routine use compared with meloxicam.
Nabumetone is a prodrug that may be somewhat gentler on the GI tract; both have GI, renal, and cardiovascular risks, and both can be dosed once daily depending on the regimen.
Both are relatively COX-2–preferential NSAIDs with similar efficacy for arthritis; dosing frequency and individual tolerance often drive the choice.
Aspirin at analgesic doses can relieve pain but carries higher GI bleeding risk and affects platelets. Meloxicam is generally preferred for arthritis pain, while low-dose aspirin is used for heart protection, not for arthritis.
The combo increases GI bleeding risk; a PPI may be recommended for GI protection. Some NSAIDs can blunt aspirin’s antiplatelet effect; coordinate timing and necessity with your clinician.
Meloxicam is once daily and prescription-only; OTC ibuprofen requires multiple daily doses. Convenience must be weighed against risks and your medical history.
Naproxen may be preferred for some patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, but it’s not risk-free; the best choice depends on your overall risk profile and GI tolerance.
For localized osteoarthritis (like knees or hands), topical diclofenac can provide relief with fewer systemic risks; for widespread inflammatory pain, an oral option like meloxicam may be needed.
No; combining NSAIDs increases GI, kidney, and cardiovascular risks without added benefit. If pain control is inadequate, discuss alternatives such as adding acetaminophen or changing strategy.
