From the Research
Ideally, meloxicam should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms, and there is no standard duration for taking meloxicam 7.5 mg continuously before needing a break. For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, some patients may take meloxicam for extended periods under medical supervision, while others might use it intermittently as needed 1. If you've been taking meloxicam daily for more than 2-3 weeks, consult your healthcare provider about whether a break is appropriate. Long-term use of meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, carries risks including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events, which can be mitigated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in some cases 2. These risks increase with higher doses and longer duration of use. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is essential during extended treatment, including periodic blood tests to check kidney and liver function. Never stop taking prescribed medication suddenly without medical advice, as some conditions may worsen when treatment is interrupted. Some key points to consider when taking meloxicam include:
- Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms
- Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider for potential side effects
- Considering the use of PPIs to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events
- Being aware of the potential risks of long-term use, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events 3, 4, 5. It's also important to note that meloxicam is a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to non-selective NSAIDs 1. However, this does not eliminate the need for careful monitoring and consideration of the potential risks and benefits of long-term use.