{"id":629173,"date":"2024-08-01T12:25:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T16:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629173"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:49:39","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:49:39","slug":"meloxicam-vs-naproxen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/meloxicam-vs-naproxen\/","title":{"rendered":"Meloxicam and naproxen: Uses, differences, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meloxicam and naproxen are two common analgesics that treat inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They belong to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) family. These medications block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Both drugs are widely available and often covered by insurance and Medicare, making them accessible to many patients. However, they may differ in their effectiveness, side effects, and dosages. Ultimately, deciding between meloxicam and naproxen depends on individual medical conditions and the recommendations of a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between meloxicam and naproxen?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam is a <\/span>selective COX-2 inhibitor<\/span><\/a> that mainly blocks the COX-2 enzyme. As a result, it may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects than non-selective NSAIDs like naproxen, which block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meloxicam may be considered more potent and longer-lasting than naproxen, making it ideal for conditions needing steady pain management. It is usually prescribed at <\/span>7.5 or 15 mg<\/span><\/a> once daily and can be used in adults and children over two years old who weigh more than 60 kg (132 lbs).<\/span><\/p>\n

Naproxen, commonly known by the brand name Aleve and <\/span>Naprosyn<\/span><\/a>, is available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms. It comes in various dosages, including 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. Unlike meloxicam, naproxen usually requires dosing two to three times daily for effective pain relief.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Main differences between meloxicam and naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nMeloxicam<\/b><\/td>\nNaproxen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nNSAID<\/span><\/td>\nNSAID<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic versions available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic versions available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nMobic, Vivlodex<\/span><\/td>\nAleve, Naprosyn, EC-Naprosyn, Anaprox DS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Oral tablet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Oral capsule<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Oral suspension<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Solution for injection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Oral tablet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Oral capsule<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Delayed-release tablet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Oral suspension<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • 7.5 to 15 mg daily in adults<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 7.5 mg daily in children of or over 60 kg (132 lbs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • 220 mg every 8 to 12 hours in adults taking the OTC form, 250 to 500 mg twice daily in adults taking the prescription-strength version<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 10 mg\/kg in 2 divided doses in children over 2 years old<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, as instructed by a healthcare provider<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term use, depending on your doctor’s instruction<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children aged two years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children over 2 years old <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by meloxicam and naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam and naproxen are <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a> approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat <\/span>osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>juvenile rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>. While naproxen is also approved to treat an inflammatory spinal condition called <\/span>ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a>, meloxicam may be used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for this purpose. <\/span><\/p>\n

Naproxen is also approved to treat pain from menstrual cramps, tendonitis, bursitis, and gout. Meloxicam may sometimes be prescribed off-label for these conditions. In addition, meloxicam and naproxen may be recommended for acute pain from dental procedures, injuries, and migraines. <\/span><\/p>\n

Off-label medications are prescribed for conditions that they are not officially approved for, based on a doctor’s judgment and evidence that they might help with those conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nMeloxicam<\/b><\/td>\nNaproxen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Primary dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tendonitis<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bursitis<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gout<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is meloxicam or naproxen more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Clinical trials show that meloxicam and naproxen are effective medications for pain relief compared to placebo. The preferred medication will depend on the overall condition of the person being treated.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are limited head-to-head trials directly comparing meloxicam and naproxen. One double-blind clinical trial compared the effectiveness of meloxicam and naproxen over six months. Both medications were similarly effective; however, <\/span>meloxicam led to fewer stomach issues<\/span><\/a>. Only 30.3% of those taking meloxicam had gastrointestinal problems, while 44.7% of naproxen users experienced such issues. In addition, no ulcers were seen in the meloxicam group, while two patients on naproxen developed ulcers. <\/span>Always consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment option. A healthcare provider will consider your overall medical condition and other medications you take before recommending one over the other. <\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of meloxicam vs. naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam and naproxen are widely available in generic and brand-name versions at most pharmacies. Health insurance plans typically cover both drugs, and Many <\/span>Medicare Part D <\/span><\/a>plans also include them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance, the costs of these medications can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. Naproxen may be a cheaper drug. In addition, the OTC form of naproxen may be easier to obtain than meloxicam, which requires a prescription. A <\/span>SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a> may help save on the retail costs of meloxicam and naproxen. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nMeloxicam<\/b><\/td>\nNaproxen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n15 mg (30 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n500 mg (60 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n$0–$20<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$5<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$5<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of meloxicam vs. naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n

As NSAIDs, <\/span>meloxicam<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a> have similar side effects. The most common side effects of both drugs include stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and indigestion, among other digestive side effects. <\/span><\/p>\n

Serious <\/span>side effects of NSAIDs<\/span><\/a> may include serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as peptic ulcers, and cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. However, meloxicam may have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, while naproxen may have a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Common side effects of meloxicam vs. naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nMeloxicam<\/b><\/td>\nNaproxen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side Effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stomach pain<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gas<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n1-10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indigestion<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flu-like symptoms<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Swelling in the hands, legs, and feet<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tinnitus<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3-9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Meloxicam<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Naproxen<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of meloxicam vs. naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a> share similar drug interactions. When taken with <\/span>blood thinners<\/span><\/a> like warfarin or aspirin or certain antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (<\/span>SSRIs<\/span><\/a>) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (<\/span>SNRIs<\/span><\/a>), there is an increased risk of bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

These NSAIDs can also reduce the effectiveness of <\/span>blood pressure medications<\/span><\/a> such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (<\/span>ACE<\/span><\/a>) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (<\/span>ARBs<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>beta blockers<\/span><\/a>. People taking these combinations should have their blood pressure monitored regularly. In addition, meloxicam and naproxen can decrease the effect of <\/span>diuretics<\/span><\/a> like furosemide and thiazides. <\/span><\/p>\n

For people using <\/span>digoxin<\/span><\/a>, taking meloxicam or naproxen may increase digoxin levels in the blood, requiring close monitoring of digoxin levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/b><\/td>\nMeloxicam<\/b><\/td>\nNaproxen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aspirin<\/span><\/td>\nAntiplatelet<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coumadin (warfarin)<\/span><\/td>\nAnticoagulant<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zoloft (sertraline)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro (escitalopram)<\/span><\/p>\n

Paxil (paroxetine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Prozac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/td>\n

SSRIs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Effexor (venlafaxine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)<\/span><\/td>\n

SNRIs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prinivil (lisinopril)<\/span><\/p>\n

Vasotec (enalapril)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lotensin (benazepril)<\/span><\/td>\n

ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diovan (valsartan)<\/span><\/p>\n

Cozaar (losartan)<\/span><\/p>\n

Avapro (irbesartan)<\/span><\/p>\n

Atacand (candesartan)<\/span><\/td>\n

ARBs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coreg (carvedilol)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lopressor (metoprolol)<\/span><\/p>\n

Tenormin (atenolol)<\/span><\/td>\n

Beta-blockers <\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lasix (furosemide)<\/span><\/td>\n

Diuretics<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trexall (methotrexate)<\/span><\/td>\nAntimetabolite<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lanoxin (digoxin)<\/span><\/td>\nCardiac glycoside<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Warnings of meloxicam and naproxen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam and naproxen come with several warnings you should be aware of before starting treatment. Here are some important points to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n