Meloxicam alternatives: What can I take instead of meloxicam?

Compare meloxicam alternatives | Celebrex | Ibuprofen | Naprosyn | Diclofenac | Relafen DS | Natural alternatives | How to switch meds

Meloxicam is the generic name of a pain reliever medication often used in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, or gout flares. Meloxicam was previously available under the brand name Mobic. This medication belongs to a drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and works to decrease inflammation. NSAIDs block enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 (COX-1 and 2) that make prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. Meloxicam is available as an oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, and an intravenous injection typically used in hospital settings. Oral meloxicam is generally dosed at 5 mg to 15 mg once daily.

While an effective treatment for some people, meloxicam may not be the best and safest pain reliever for everyone. People with heart disease, gastrointestinal (GI) disease, kidney impairment, chronic liver disease, or who have a higher risk of bleeding should avoid or use caution with meloxicam. NSAIDs that are more selective for the COX-2 enzyme may have fewer toxic effects on the GI tract, such as Celecoxib. Meloxicam is relatively selective for COX-2 at low doses but has a greater effect on COX-1 at high doses. Some people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may experience pain relief from non-drug therapies such as physical therapy, a brace, dietary counseling, or weight management. Additionally, some people may want to try topical drug therapy and find relief from products such as gels or patches.

RELATED: Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis: Which one do I have?

What can I take in place of meloxicam?

There are other options available to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, or gout flares that do not improve with meloxicam. The possible alternatives depend on the specific medical condition being treated and will vary among people. These alternative medications may include other types of NSAIDs, including oral and topical options, duloxetine (Cymbalta), topical capsaicin, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids. These options may be more suitable for specific individuals due to their different uses, side effect profiles, and dosages.

RELATED: What it’s like living with osteoarthritis

Other alternatives to meloxicam

For people seeking other alternatives to meloxicam, there are a variety of prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, oral medications, and topical medications.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Daypro (oxaprozin)
• Flector (diclofenac)
• Flurbiprofen
• Ketoprofen
• Ketorolac
• Meclofenamate
• Nalfon (fenoprofen)

Corticosteroids

• Cortef (hydrocortisone)
• Deltasone (prednisone)
• Medrol (methylprednisolone)
• Millipred, Orapred ODT (prednisolone)
• TaperDex (dexamethasone)

Miscellaneous

• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Topical capsaicin
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)

Top 5 meloxicam alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to meloxicam.

1. Celebrex (celecoxib)

Celebrex is a brand-name medication available as a generic called celecoxib. This alternative treats various conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and migraine. Celebrex is an NSAID that is selective for the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), meaning it has fewer toxic effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is considered a COX-2 selective inhibitor. This alternative provides comparable pain relief to nonselective NSAIDs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Like other NSAIDS, Celebrex has an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. People with a sulfa allergy should avoid Celebrex, as there is a risk of allergic reactions. This alternative is available as an oral capsule typically dosed one to two times per day, depending on the condition being treated. Celebrex may be a more suitable alternative for people with increased risk factors for GI bleeding.

RELATED: Meloxicam vs. Celebrex: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

2. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used generic NSAIDs and has been used for various conditions such as rheumatoid disorders, osteoarthritis, headache, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), migraine, and generally mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen is a nonselective NSAID with potential gastrointestinal effects along with kidney and cardiovascular risks. At lower strengths (100 mg to 200 mg), ibuprofen is conveniently available over-the-counter (OTC) as a generic and brand-name medication such as Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen requires a prescription at higher strengths (400 mg to 800 mg). Ibuprofen should be taken with food or milk to decrease the chance of stomach upset. Ibuprofen is available in various dosage forms, including oral capsules, oral tablets, oral suspension, and chewable tablets. This alternative may be best for those who prefer the convenience of an OTC treatment option.

3. Naprosyn (naproxen)

Naprosyn is a brand-name medication available as a generic called naproxen. Naprosyn can be used for various inflammatory conditions, including mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, gout flares, and ankylosing spondylitis. Naproxen is available over-the-counter (OTC) at lower strengths (220 mg) as a generic medication and as a brand-name medication (such as Aleve). It is also available as a prescription drug at higher strengths (250 mg to 750 mg). Naprosyn is a nonselective NSAID with potential gastrointestinal effects along with kidney and cardiovascular risks. This medication should be taken with food or milk to help avoid stomach upset. Like ibuprofen, Naprosyn may be more suitable for those who prefer the convenience of an OTC treatment option.

4. Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a generic medication available in several oral medication brand names (Lofena, Zipsor, and Zorvolex) and topical medications (Voltaren gel and Flector patches). Diclofenac has uses in various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, migraine, acute pain, and gout flares. Like meloxicam, diclofenac is relatively selective for the COX-2 enzyme and has warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, similar to other NSAIDs. Topical diclofenac appears to have similar benefits in knee osteoarthritis, with fewer gastrointestinal symptoms and potentially less cardiovascular toxicity than oral dosage forms. With the option of topical dosage forms, diclofenac may be a well-suited alternative for people who need to avoid oral medication.

5. Relafen DS (nabumetone)

Relafen DS is a brand-name medication that is available as a generic called nabumetone. Nabumetone is primarily used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Like meloxicam, nabumetone is relatively selective for the COX-2 enzyme at lower doses. There is some evidence that nabumetone may be less likely to cause stomach ulcers than other NSAIDs. Relafen DS shares the common side effects of NSAIDs, such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, headache, and dizziness. This alternative is only available as a tablet and is typically dosed one to two times per day.

Natural alternatives to meloxicam

Alternative remedies for meloxicam include supplements, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Ginger is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement and has both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. One study showed ginger extract to have a statistically significant effect on reducing knee osteoarthritis symptoms. In another study, the impact of ginger on osteoarthritis was significant only in the first treatment period.

Along with various other health benefits, regular exercise is associated with the natural production of anti-inflammatory substances. The health-beneficial effects of exercise are involved in protecting against chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, staying active can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, giving them more support.

RELATED: What’s the best exercise for arthritis? Try these six options

According to The Arthritis Foundation, following an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce body inflammation. Many anti-inflammatory foods are included in the Mediterranean Diet. This diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, potatoes, beans, nuts, olive oil, eggs, fish, and poultry. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, also have anti-inflammatory properties.

How to switch to a meloxicam alternative

1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider

Before switching from meloxicam to an alternative, the prescribing doctor must review all health conditions. Alternatives may have serious side effects, precautions, or drug interactions that must be avoided. It’s best to seek medical advice before changing medication therapy. If cost is a concern when finding a meloxicam alternative, using a SingleCare prescription discount card at a local pharmacy can help you save up to 80% on your next prescription.

2. Do not suddenly stop taking meloxicam

Before stopping meloxicam, make a pain care plan with the prescribing doctor to avoid sudden flares in pain or inflammation (such as joint pain, arthritis pain, or back pain). Once a plan has been established, meloxicam can be safely discontinued and replaced with a new treatment.

Avoid taking more than one NSAID together

Due to the increased risk of toxicities, such as gastrointestinal ones, different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should not be used together. Prescription NSAIDs, such as meloxicam and nabumetone, should not be combined with over-the-counter NSAIDs, like Advil and Aleve. It’s essential to read the drug labels of all OTC medications as some combination drugs, such as Cold and Flu medications, contain NSAIDs.