What Is Meloxicam Viatris Used For?

Meloxicam Viatris is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It helps manage pain and inflammation in joint conditions.

Primary Uses

Meloxicam Viatris is used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both conditions mainly affect the joints, causing pain and swelling.

How It Works

This medicine works by relieving pain and inflammation. While it can control your symptoms effectively, it will not cure your underlying condition.

How to Take Meloxicam Viatris

Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage may vary depending on your condition and response to treatment.

Dosage Instructions

For osteoarthritis: The usual dose is 7.5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 15 mg once daily if needed. For rheumatoid arthritis: The usual dose is 15 mg once daily, which may be reduced to 7.5 mg once daily based on your response. The maximum recommended daily dose is 15 mg. For patients with kidney problems on dialysis, the maximum dose is 7.5 mg daily. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take with or straight after food to help reduce stomach upset. Take at the same time each day for best results.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, belching, cramps, pain)
• headache
• flu-like symptoms, runny or blocked nose, cough, sore mouth or throat
• constipation, diarrhea, or gas
• dizziness or light-headedness
• skin rashes or itching (may worsen with sun exposure)
• increased blood pressure
• ringing in ears (tinnitus)

Important Warnings

There are several important situations where Meloxicam Viatris should not be used, and conditions that require special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Meloxicam Viatris

Do not take this medicine if you: have allergies to meloxicam, aspirin, or other NSAIDs; are scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery; have heart disease with shortness of breath and fluid buildup; experience bleeding from stomach, gut, or elsewhere; have had a stroke from brain bleeding or have bleeding disorders; have galactose intolerance; have peptic ulcers; have or had inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; have severe liver or kidney problems; are taking fluconazole or certain sulfur antibiotics; are under 18 years old.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: high blood pressure or fluid retention; diabetes; high cholesterol; heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, or stomach problems; kidney or liver disease; asthma or breathing problems; any current infections (as this medicine may mask infection signs).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Like most NSAIDs, Meloxicam Viatris is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss benefits and risks if needed during pregnancy. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine as it passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Tell your doctor if you use an IUD for birth control, as NSAIDs may decrease IUD effectiveness.

Drug Interactions

Meloxicam Viatris can interact with many other medications. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter products.

• aspirin, salicylates or other NSAIDs
• blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine)
• blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, diuretics)
• lithium for depression
• SSRI antidepressants
• methotrexate for arthritis and cancer
• ciclosporin for immune system problems
• allergy medications (terfenadine, astemizole)
• diabetes medications
• colestyramine for high cholesterol
• corticosteroids for inflammation
• certain antibiotics (erythromycin, sulfur antibiotics, ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• heart rhythm medications (amiodarone, quinidine)
• pemetrexed for lung cancer

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with activities requiring alertness while taking Meloxicam Viatris, as it may affect your ability to function safely.

Alcohol

The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Meloxicam Viatris. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol use while taking this medication.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Meloxicam Viatris affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision in some people. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Storage

Keep your tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them, as removing them may affect how well they keep. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill, or in the car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.

Overdose Information

If you think you or someone else has taken too much Meloxicam Viatris, immediately call your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to your nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no obvious symptoms. Urgent medical attention may be needed. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, seizures, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, impaired consciousness, and kidney failure.

Frequently Asked Questions