Comprehensive medication guide to Mobic including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$20 copay for generic meloxicam; Tier 1–2 on most commercial plans and Medicare Part D. Covered by virtually all formularies with low or no copay.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$30 retail for generic meloxicam tablets (30-count); as low as $4–$7 for a 30-day supply with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons at major pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
92/100
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Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Originally marketed under the brand name Mobic (now discontinued in the U.S.), it is available as generic meloxicam tablets, capsules, and oral suspension.
The FDA has approved meloxicam for osteoarthritis (OA) in adults, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA/JIA) in children 2 years and older. It reduces pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. Meloxicam does not cure arthritis — it manages symptoms as long as treatment continues.
Meloxicam is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA schedule and no addiction potential. However, it is prescription-only — it cannot be purchased over the counter in the United States.
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Meloxicam works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes — specifically, it preferentially inhibits COX-2 more than COX-1. COX-2 enzymes produce prostaglandins, the chemical messengers responsible for causing pain, fever, and inflammation at sites of tissue damage or injury.
By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, meloxicam decreases joint swelling, tenderness, and discomfort in arthritic joints. Its preferential COX-2 selectivity means it may cause somewhat fewer GI side effects than older non-selective NSAIDs like ibuprofen, though serious GI and cardiovascular risks still apply.
Meloxicam has a long half-life of approximately 20 hours, which allows once-daily dosing. It typically reaches steady-state plasma concentrations after about 5 days of consistent use. Full anti-inflammatory benefit is usually experienced within 1–2 weeks of starting therapy.
7.5 mg — tablet
Starting dose for adults with OA and RA; once daily
15 mg — tablet
Maintenance dose for adults if 7.5 mg provides inadequate relief; once daily; maximum daily dose for tablets
7.5 mg/5 mL — oral suspension
For children 2+ with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; dose 0.125 mg/kg once daily, max 7.5 mg/day
5 mg — capsule
Starting dose for capsule formulation (Vivlodex/generic); once daily
10 mg — capsule
Maintenance dose for capsule formulation; once daily; maximum daily dose for capsules
As of 2026, meloxicam is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. Generic meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg and 15 mg) are manufactured by multiple companies and are nationally available — making it one of the more reliably stocked prescription NSAIDs. Its findability score of 92/100 reflects this broad availability.
That said, individual pharmacy stockouts can still occur due to high local demand, supplier transitions, or the specific formulation required. The oral suspension (7.5 mg/5 mL) for children is harder to find than the standard tablets, as it is produced by fewer manufacturers and not stocked at all retail pharmacies.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to identify which ones have your prescription in stock, then text you the results — saving you the time of calling around yourself.
Because meloxicam is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider without special DEA registration. There are no prescribing restrictions beyond a standard medical license.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — Family medicine and internal medicine providers; the most common prescribers
Rheumatologists — Specialists in arthritis and inflammatory disease
Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Physicians — For post-surgical pain and musculoskeletal conditions
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — Full prescribing authority for meloxicam in virtually all states
Pediatricians — For children 2 years and older with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Meloxicam is also available via telehealth in all 50 states. Because it is not a controlled substance, telehealth providers can prescribe it during a virtual consultation without in-person visit requirements. Services like Teladoc, MDLive, and PlushCare can connect patients with licensed providers same-day or next-day.
No. Meloxicam is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling (Schedule I–V). It has no known abuse potential and is not considered habit-forming or addictive.
Because it is not controlled, meloxicam can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without special DEA registration requirements. It can be called in, faxed, or sent electronically to any pharmacy. Prescriptions may have multiple refills. It can also be prescribed via telehealth in all 50 states without the restrictions that apply to controlled substances.
Despite not being controlled, meloxicam is still prescription-only and requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It cannot be purchased over the counter in the United States.
Most patients tolerate meloxicam well when taken at the lowest effective dose. Common, generally mild side effects include:
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain or indigestion
Constipation or diarrhea
Headache or dizziness
Upper respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sore throat)
Fluid retention and mild leg swelling
GI bleeding: Bloody or black tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain
Cardiovascular events: Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, slurred speech (call 911)
Liver damage: Jaundice, dark urine, upper right stomach pain, fatigue
Kidney damage: Reduced urination, leg swelling, fatigue
Severe skin reactions: Any skin rash — stop immediately and seek care (risk of SJS/TEN)
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Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Selective COX-2 inhibitor; faster onset (~3 hours); somewhat better GI safety profile; generic available; similar cardiovascular risk to meloxicam
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
Non-selective NSAID; available OTC at 220 mg and Rx at 250–500 mg; twice-daily dosing; may have a slightly more favorable cardiovascular risk profile
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Non-selective NSAID; widely available OTC; shorter duration (4–6 hours); requires more frequent dosing than meloxicam; less convenient for chronic arthritis
Diclofenac (Voltaren, Lofena)
Non-selective NSAID; oral and topical forms available; OTC topical Voltaren Gel for localized joint pain; oral forms require 2–3 daily doses
Prefer Mobic? We can find it.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
majorSynergistic GI bleeding risk; may affect INR. Monitor closely when adding or adjusting meloxicam.
Other NSAIDs / Aspirin (high-dose)
majorContraindicated combination; greatly increases GI bleeding, cardiovascular, and renal risks.
Lithium
majorMeloxicam reduces lithium clearance, potentially causing lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels closely.
Methotrexate
majorMay increase methotrexate toxicity by reducing renal clearance. Monitor for toxicity signs.
ACE Inhibitors / ARBs
moderateMay reduce antihypertensive effect and increase kidney injury risk. Monitor blood pressure and renal function.
Diuretics (furosemide, thiazides)
moderateMay reduce natriuretic effect, worsening fluid retention and blood pressure control.
SSRIs / SNRIs
moderateCombination increases GI bleeding risk due to antiplatelet effects of serotonin modulation.
Corticosteroids (prednisone)
moderateSubstantially increases GI bleeding risk. Consider gastroprotective therapy (PPI) if combination is necessary.
Alcohol
moderateSignificantly increases GI bleeding and stomach ulcer risk. Avoid or strictly limit alcohol.
Meloxicam is one of the most prescribed and cost-effective NSAIDs available for arthritis management. Its once-daily dosing, broad insurance coverage, and multi-manufacturer generic supply make it a reliable option for most patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. With discount coupons, it can cost as little as $4–$7 per month at major pharmacy chains.
Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam carries FDA boxed warnings for cardiovascular thrombotic events and GI bleeding. It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Patients with significant cardiovascular disease, GI ulcer history, or kidney impairment should discuss the risks carefully with their doctor.
If you're struggling to find meloxicam at your local pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find out which ones have your prescription in stock and text you the results, saving you the time and frustration of calling around yourself.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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