Mobic (meloxicam)

Mobic (meloxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated to help relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation within joints, and it is the inflammation that leads to the common symptoms of pain, tenderness and swelling associated with arthritis. Mobic blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and reduces the levels of prostaglandins.

Why Prescribed

Mobic is an oral medication prescribed to treat the tenderness, swelling and pain caused by the inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

FDA Approved Uses

Mobic was approved by the FDA in 2000 for the treatment of inflammation and pain in the joints caused by various arthritic conditions.

Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with Mobic are indigestion, headache, and flu-like symptoms--including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

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Warnings and Alerts

NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. In 2005, the FDA issued a black box warning on the label of Mobic that highlights the increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events while using the drug and the serious, potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with its use. Mobic has also been linked to liver damage and may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and edema.

Drug Contraindications

Mobic is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or gastrointestinal bleeding who use Mobic have a greater than 10-fold increased risk for developing a GI bleed compared to patients with neither of these risk factors. Other factors that increase the risk for GI bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include concomitant use of oral corticosteroids or anticoagulants, longer duration of NSAID therapy, smoking, alcohol usage, older age, and poor general health status.

FAQ's

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis isone of the oldest and most common types of arthritis - is a disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage in joints leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20.7 million Americans. Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, researchers believe that heredity, obesity, injury and repeated overuse of certain joints can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but frequently occurs in the hips, knees and spine. The finger and toe joints can also be affected. Wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles and jaws are rarely affected, except as the result of an injury.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Although the early symptoms of osteoarthritis are often minor, they can be severely disabling in the advanced stages of the disease. The symptoms are usually at their worst after the joints have been overused or have remained inactive for a long period of time. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• joint stiffness and pain
• backache
• increased symptoms during cold, damp weather
• limited movement and stiffness in affected joints
• cracking or grating noises caused by movement in affected joints.

Are there patients who should NOT use Mobic?

There are patients who clearly should not be taking Mobic. Included among these are:

• Patients with a history of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Patients with Kidney disease
• Patients with Liver disease
• Patients who suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Patients with a history of asthma
Patients with a history of allergies

What did the FDA add to the 'Warnings' section on Mobic labeling?

Additions to the "Warnings" section of the label include that using Mobic may:

• Increase risk of serious CV thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke
• Cause hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, especially in patients taking thiazides or loop diuretics
• Increase risk of fluid retention and edema, with a note that";Mobic should be used with caution in patients with fluid retention, hypertension, or heart failure"
• Increase GI ulceration, bleeding, and perforation
• Cause renal toxicity
• Cause NSAID-related skin problems such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Can I file a defective drug lawsuit if I have been injured after taking Mobic?

If you or a loved one has used Mobic and experienced adverse side effects, including cardiovascular problems or gastrointestinal bleeding, you should contact your physician immediately, and contact a defective drug litigation attorney to discuss your rights and any legal recourse you might have.