Meloxicam
Meloxicam is an NSAID tablet for the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, sold here as Mobic in 7.5mg and 15mg strengths.
A once-daily tablet for stiff, painful joints
Creaking knees from osteoarthritis, where cartilage wears thin, and the swollen, morning-stiff joints of rheumatoid arthritis, an attack by the immune system on the joint lining, are the two cases meloxicam is made for. It is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is also used for ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term inflammation that stiffens the spine, and for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children from two years old. Pain eases over several days of regular tablets, not with the first one.
How meloxicam works and how to take it
An inflamed joint releases prostaglandins, chemical messengers that make the area sore, hot and puffy. Meloxicam reduces how many of them the body makes, so a painful joint feels easier to move. Swallow one tablet a day with water, at a time you will remember — breakfast or the evening meal, whichever fits your routine. If a dose is missed, take it later that day; never take two tablets at once to catch up.
Side effects to know about
Indigestion, nausea, heartburn, headache, dizziness, loose stools and cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat are the ones people notice most, and they often fade as the body adjusts. An NSAID can also irritate the stomach lining enough to cause an ulcer or bleeding: pain in the stomach that will not settle, blood in vomit, or stools that turn black and sticky are signs to treat as urgent. Months of treatment carry a slightly higher chance of heart attack or stroke, and meloxicam is not given to someone who has just had a heart attack or heart bypass surgery. Swelling of the face or throat, wheezing or a spreading rash points to an allergic reaction rather than a normal side effect.
Mixing meloxicam with other medicines
Most of the trouble comes from stacking meloxicam on other things that affect the stomach lining or blood clotting. Warfarin and similar blood thinners, daily aspirin, steroid tablets such as prednisone, and SSRI or SNRI antidepressants (sertraline, fluoxetine, duloxetine) each add to the chance of stomach bleeding. A second NSAID, ibuprofen or naproxen for example, adds the same risk for little extra pain relief. Alcohol irritates the stomach too and can make dizziness worse.
Mobic: the meloxicam listing here
Mobic is the one meloxicam listing, a once-daily tablet in 7.5mg and 15mg, shelved under painkillers. Dosing usually begins at 7.5mg, and many people stay there once their joints settle; 15mg is the top daily amount.
Sources
- Meloxicam: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Osteoarthritis - NHS — National Health Service
Where can I order Meloxicam for delivery in Hong Kong?
Meloxicam can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists generic Mobic tablets in 7.5mg and 15mg. Tracked courier delivery takes 5 to 9 business days to reach Hong Kong and comes with online tracking.
How much do Meloxicam products cost in Hong Kong?
Mobic is priced per pack: its page lists every strength and pack size with the current price in HKD or your chosen currency.
Do I need a prescription to order Meloxicam?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order meloxicam. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for meloxicam?
Mobic and Movalis are brand names of meloxicam, which is also sold as Melox. Here, meloxicam can be bought online as generic Mobic. These are generics, not the original brand.
Can I take meloxicam with ibuprofen?
No — they are both NSAIDs, and taking two at once raises the chance of a stomach ulcer or bleed without easing pain any better. Naproxen, diclofenac and daily low-dose aspirin carry the same warning, so keep to one anti-inflammatory at a time.
Can I drink alcohol with meloxicam?
An occasional drink is unlikely to be a problem, but regular heavy drinking is. Alcohol is hard on the stomach lining and adds to meloxicam's effect on it, and it can make dizziness and headaches worse. If you are on treatment for months, it is worth keeping an eye on your intake.
What is meloxicam 15mg used for?
It is the higher of the two strengths sold here and the largest amount taken in a day. It is used when 7.5mg has not settled arthritis pain and stiffness enough. Both strengths are the same once-daily tablet, so the difference is the dose, not the form.
Is Mobic the same as meloxicam?
Yes. Mobic is a brand name; meloxicam is the medicine inside it, so one Mobic tablet contains the same active ingredient as a meloxicam tablet. The shop lists it as generic Mobic in 7.5mg and 15mg.
How long can you take meloxicam for?
Arthritis does not go away, so meloxicam is often taken for months or years. Stomach bleeding, higher blood pressure and heart problems become more likely the longer any NSAID is used, which is why the aim is the lowest daily amount that keeps the joints comfortable.