Meloxicam Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Meloxicam (formerly branded as Mobic) is a prescription NSAID that effectively reduces pain and inflammation from arthritis. Like all NSAIDs, it comes with a range of potential side effects — from mild stomach discomfort to serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events. Understanding what's normal, what to watch for, and when to seek immediate care can help you use meloxicam safely and effectively.

Meloxicam's Boxed Warning — The Most Serious Risks

The FDA requires meloxicam — like all NSAIDs — to carry a "black box" warning, the agency's most serious alert level. There are two main boxed warnings:

Cardiovascular thrombotic events: Meloxicam increases the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use and dose. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease are at higher risk.

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation: NSAIDs, including meloxicam, can cause serious GI adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and those with a prior GI ulcer history are at greatest risk.

Common Side Effects (Usually Mild)

Most patients tolerate meloxicam well when taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. Common, generally mild side effects include:

Nausea or vomiting

Stomach pain or indigestion

Constipation or diarrhea

Gas or bloating

Headache or dizziness

Upper respiratory symptoms (stuffy or runny nose, sore throat)

Fluid retention (swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs)

Taking meloxicam with food can help reduce stomach-related side effects. These mild effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Serious Side Effects — When to Call Your Doctor Immediately

Stop taking meloxicam and call your doctor right away — or call 911 if severe — if you experience any of the following:

GI bleeding symptoms: Bloody or black, tarry stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; severe stomach pain

Heart attack or stroke signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness in the face/arm/leg on one side, slurred speech, vision changes

Liver damage signs: Yellowing of skin or whites of eyes (jaundice), nausea, upper right stomach pain, dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite

Kidney damage signs: Little or no urination, swelling in legs/feet, feeling tired or short of breath

Severe skin reactions: Skin rash (even if mild), blistering, peeling — these can be early signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which are life-threatening emergencies

High blood pressure symptoms: Severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, or chest pain (systolic ≥180 mmHg)

Signs of anaphylaxis: Hives, difficulty breathing, throat tightening, dizziness — seek emergency care immediately

Who Is at Highest Risk for Serious Side Effects?

Adults 65 years and older — higher risk of GI bleeding and cardiovascular events

Patients with a prior history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding

Patients with existing heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Patients who smoke or drink alcohol regularly

Patients with kidney or liver impairment

Patients taking blood thinners, corticosteroids, or other NSAIDs simultaneously

Tips for Minimizing Side Effects

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration

Take meloxicam with food or a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset

Avoid alcohol while taking meloxicam — it significantly increases GI bleeding risk

Do not take other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) while taking meloxicam

Tell your doctor if you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or lithium

For more on drug interactions, see: Meloxicam Drug Interactions: What to Avoid and What to Tell Your Doctor. If you're struggling to fill your meloxicam prescription, medfinder can help you locate it at a nearby pharmacy.