Key takeaways
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib, may be alternatives to meloxicam for pain and inflammation.
Non-NSAID options, such as acetaminophen and topical capsaicin, may also help relieve arthritis pain.
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Some people may need an alternative to meloxicam due to pre-existing conditions, side effects, ineffectiveness, drug interactions, or price. Common alternatives include other prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or celecoxib, but other types of pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications may also be options.
Save up to 80% on Meloxicam with SingleCare
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RELATED: Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis: Which one do I have?
What can I take instead of meloxicam?
If meloxicam does not provide enough relief from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, other treatments may be considered. The possible alternatives depend on the condition being treated and individual health needs. Depending on the condition, options may include other NSAIDs, including oral and topical options, duloxetine, topical capsaicin, acetaminophen, or corticosteroids. A healthcare provider can help determine which option is appropriate based on factors such as other health conditions, medications, and potential side effects.
RELATED: What it’s like living with osteoarthritis
Compare meloxicam alternatives |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Meloxicam | $122 for 30, 15 mg tablets | $7 for 30, 15 mg tablets of generic meloxicam at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Celebrex (celecoxib) | $627 for 30, 200 mg capsules | $7 for 30, 200 mg capsules of generic Celebrex at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Ibuprofen | $71 for 30, 800 mg tablets | $3 for 30, 800 mg tablets at Walmart | See latest prices |
| Naproxen | $71 for 60, 500 mg tablets | $7 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic naproxen at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Diclofenac ER | $131 for 30, 100 mg tablets | $26 for 30, 100 mg tablets of generic diclofenac ER at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Nabumetone | $80 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic nabumetone | $16 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic nabumetone at Kroger | See latest prices |
Top 5 meloxicam alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to meloxicam.
1. Celebrex (celecoxib)
Celebrex is a brand-name medication also available as the generic celecoxib. This alternative NSAID treats various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and migraine. Celebrex is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, which may have a lower risk of certain gastrointestinal (GI) side effects than nonselective NSAIDs.
Like other NSAIDs, Celebrex can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. It also carries a risk of serious GI problems, including bleeding and ulcers. Celebrex should not be used by people who have had allergic-type reactions to sulfonamides.
Celebrex is available as an oral capsule typically dosed one to two times per day, depending on the condition being treated. Because of its COX-2 selectivity, Celebrex may be an option for some people at increased risk of GI side effects from nonselective NSAIDs, as it generally has a lower risk of GI complications.
RELATED: Meloxicam vs. Celebrex: differences, similarities, and which is better for you
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a commonly used nonselective NSAID that can treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, headache, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal side effects and carries kidney and cardiovascular risks.
At lower strengths, ibuprofen is conveniently available over the counter (OTC) as a generic and under brand names such as Advil and Motrin. Higher-strength tablets, including 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg, are available by prescription. Ibuprofen is available in various dosage forms, including oral capsules, tablets, suspension, and chewable tablets.
If ibuprofen causes stomach upset, taking it with food or milk may help.
Ibuprofen may be a convenient alternative for people who can safely use an OTC NSAID.
RELATED: Meloxicam vs. ibuprofen: differences, similarities, and which is better for you
3. Naproxen
Naproxen 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 a lower strength (220 mg) as a generic medication and under brand names such as Aleve. Higher-strength naproxen is also available by prescription.
Naproxen is a nonselective NSAID with potential gastrointestinal effects along with kidney and cardiovascular risks. If naproxen causes stomach upset, taking it with food or milk may help. Like ibuprofen, naproxen may be a convenient alternative for people who can safely use an OTC NSAID.
RELATED: Meloxicam and naproxen: uses, differences, and side effects
4. Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a generic medication available in several oral and topical formulations. Oral brand-name products include Lofena and Zipsor, while topical products include Voltaren Arthritis Pain and Flector patches. Diclofenac is used in various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, migraine, acute pain, and gout flares. Like meloxicam, diclofenac has warnings for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, similar to other NSAIDs.
Topical diclofenac can provide pain relief for osteoarthritis while resulting in less of the drug getting into the bloodstream than oral diclofenac. Because topical formulations act more locally, they may be an option for some people who want to limit their use of oral medication.
RELATED: Diclofenac vs. meloxicam: Differences, similarities, and cost comparison
5. Nabumetone
Nabumetone, also sold as brand-name Relafen DS, is primarily used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There is some evidence that nabumetone may be less likely to cause stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems than some other NSAIDs. However, it can still cause serious gastrointestinal side effects. Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, headache, and dizziness. Nabumetone is available as a tablet and can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the prescribed dose.
Natural alternatives to meloxicam
Supplements, exercise, and dietary changes may help manage arthritis pain and inflammation alongside other treatments.
Turmeric is one of several supplements that may help with arthritis symptoms. It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that curcumin extracts may reduce pain and improve physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis, with some studies finding effects comparable to NSAIDs.
Regular exercise may also help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Exercise has anti-inflammatory effects and can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, providing additional 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 inflammation. Many anti-inflammatory foods are part of the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, eggs, fish, and poultry. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, may also help fight inflammation.
How to switch to a meloxicam alternative
Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider
Before switching from meloxicam to an alternative, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about your health conditions and other medications. Alternatives may have serious side effects, precautions, or drug interactions to consider. It’s best to seek medical advice before changing treatment. 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.
Before stopping meloxicam, make a pain care plan with the health care provider 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
Taking more than one NSAID can increase the risk of side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. Different NSAIDs should generally not be taken together unless recommended by a healthcare provider. For example, prescription NSAIDs such as meloxicam and nabumetone should not be combined with over-the-counter NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve without medical guidance. It’s also important to read the labels of OTC medications because some combination products, including certain cold and flu medications, may contain NSAIDs.
Choosing the right path for arthritis treatment
Choosing an alternative to meloxicam depends on the type of arthritis being treated, your other health conditions and medications, and how well you respond to treatment. Options may include other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, topical treatments like diclofenac, or non-NSAID pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and dietary changes, may also help manage arthritis symptoms. Talk to a healthcare provider before switching from meloxicam to determine which option is appropriate for you.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Sep. 14, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk, Harvard Health Publishing (2019)
- Celebrex celecoxib capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2024)
- A study of demographic and clinical characteristics of consumers of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A large population-based study utilizing enrollment phase data from the tabari cohort, BMC Public Health (2025)
- Gastrointestinal safety profile of nabumetone: a meta-analysis, The American Journal of Medicine (1999)
- Relafen DS nabumetone tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2024)
- 9 supplements for arthritis, Arthritis Foundation
- Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine (2021)
- The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise, Journal of Applied Physiology (2004)
- Anti-inflammatory diet do’s and don’ts, Arthritis Foundation
- What is the Mediterranean Diet?, American Heart Association (2024)
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