Movatec

meloxicam

Movatec is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are used to treat pain and/or inflammation. 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. Meloxicam blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and reduces the levels of prostaglandins. As a result, inflammation and its accompanying symptoms are reduced.

What is Movatec?

Meloxicam, an oxicam derivative, belongs to a newer family of NSAIDS called COX-2 inhibitors that block the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, which is thought to trigger pain and inflammation in the body. A related enzyme, but somewhat different, is cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). It produces biochemicals needed to maintain normal blood supply to the kidneys and GI tract. Previous NSAIDs were unable to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 without also inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase-1, hence they produced unpleasant side effects. Meloxicam has shown, at theraputic dosing, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

Before taking Movatec

Some medical conditions may interact with Meloxicam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers), or H. pylori infection
• if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
• if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases
• if you have poor health, dehydration or low fluid volume, or low blood sodium levels, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse

How should I take Movatec?

Movatec comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your arthritis symptoms should improve within several weeks of beginning meloxicam. If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen, call your doctor. Do not stop taking meloxicam without talking to your doctor. Arthritis symptoms will return if you stop taking meloxicam.

If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The lowest effective dosage should always be used, and only for the prescribed length of time.

It may take up to two weeks before the full benefits of this drug take effect. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Movatec side effects

Stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, or diarrhea may occur. To prevent these common side effects, it is recommended that most NSAIDs be taken with food or milk. NSAIDs may cause ulcers in the stomach and/or small intestine. A few NSAIDs are designed to be less damaging to the stomach and small intestine, and, therefore, they may be taken with or without food. Meloxicam is an example of one of these NSAIDs, but, nevertheless, it should be taken cautiously without food.

Precautions

This medication may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. This medication may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medication, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects.

Drug interactions

If Movatec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Movatec with the following: Aspirin, blood pressure and heart medications called ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, and ramipril, blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, Furosemide, Lithium, Methotrexate.

Preganacy

It is possible that Movatec could cause harm during pregnancy, and it is best to avoid it. Under no circumstances should you take it late in a pregnancy.

Movatec may appear in breast milk and could cause serious side effects in the infant. Do not take Movatec while nursing; discontinue the drug or stop breastfeeding.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Typical symptoms of Mobic overdose include: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and bleeding.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Movatec. If you have any other questions about Movatec, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.