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Meloxicam Safety Information and Warnings

Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carries certain risks that require careful consideration. Below are key safety instructions and warnings associated with its use:

• Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: Meloxicam may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or pre-existing heart conditions. The risk is elevated in older adults and those with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Do not take meloxicam before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or difficulty speaking or walking, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• Stomach and Intestinal Bleeding: This medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which may occur without warning symptoms. Risks are higher for older adults, individuals with a history of stomach bleeding, liver problems, or those taking certain medications (e.g., aspirin, other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticoagulants). Seek medical help if you experience severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.

• High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure: Meloxicam may increase blood pressure or lead to heart failure by causing fluid retention. Notify your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart problems or are on blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure and report significant changes. Symptoms such as chest pain, swelling, fainting, or irregular heartbeat warrant immediate medical attention.

• Liver Problems: Though rare, meloxicam can cause serious liver damage leading to liver failure. Be alert for symptoms like abdominal swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, changes in stool color, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or dark urine, and seek urgent medical care if they occur.

• Kidney Damage and High Potassium Levels: Meloxicam may impair kidney function, especially if you have pre-existing kidney or liver issues, heart failure, or are taking certain blood pressure medications. If you notice changes in urination frequency, consult your healthcare provider as this may indicate kidney damage.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible with meloxicam use. If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, inform your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you experience hives, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.

• Asthma and Respiratory Reactions: This drug can provoke severe asthma attacks by tightening airways. Avoid meloxicam if you have asthma or a history of respiratory reactions to NSAIDs. Seek immediate medical help if you experience breathing difficulties.

• Risk to Unborn Babies: Meloxicam may harm an unborn child or cause delivery complications if taken during the second half of pregnancy. Pregnant individuals, or those planning pregnancy, should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Contraindications: Do not use meloxicam if you have a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs, or if you are undergoing, or have recently had, coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure this medication is safe for you, given your health conditions and other medications.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. These effects are generally not serious, but if they persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Additionally, some patients might notice swelling, urinary tract infections, or constipation, which also typically do not pose significant concerns.

It is important to be aware of more severe side effects that could occur, although they are rare. These include easy bruising or bleeding, mental or mood changes, signs of kidney problems like changes in urine output, and symptoms indicative of heart failure, such as swelling in the ankles or feet, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure, so regular monitoring is recommended.

Liver damage, while uncommon, is a serious potential side effect. Symptoms to watch for include persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Immediate medical help should be sought if these symptoms arise. Additionally, severe allergic reactions are rare but serious, with symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties requiring urgent medical attention.

In summary, while most side effects of this medication are mild and manageable, staying vigilant for more severe symptoms is crucial, and seeking medical advice promptly can help manage any adverse effects effectively.

Certain medications can interact with this drug. These include aliskiren, ACE inhibitors like captopril and lisinopril, angiotensin II receptor blockers such as losartan and valsartan, cidofovir, lithium, high-dose methotrexate, and diuretics like furosemide. Additionally, this medication may elevate the risk of bleeding if taken with other drugs that have the same effect, such as anti-platelet medications like clopidogrel and anticoagulants, including dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin.

If you are using the liquid form of meloxicam, inform your doctor if you are also taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Be cautious with both prescription and non-prescription medications, as many contain pain relievers or fever reducers like aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketorolac), which are similar to meloxicam and could increase side effects when used together. However, if your doctor has advised you to use low-dose aspirin (81-162 milligrams daily) for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue with the aspirin unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. For more information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.