Mebilax 7,5
Mebilax 7,5 hop
Mebilax 7,5 vi
Mebilax_7,5-Vi_truoc.png
Mebilax 7,5 hop
Mebilax 7,5 vi
Mebilax_7,5-Vi_truoc.png
Mebilax 7,5
  • UNIT
    box
  • Formula

    Meloxicam .......................................... 7.5 mg
    Excipients q.s ……………………… 1 tablet

  • Dosage forms

    Tablet.
    Product description: A round, pale yellow tablet, plain on both sides, intact edges.

  • Packing specification

    Box of 2 blisters x 10 tablets.

  • PHARMACODYNAMIC

    Pharmacotherapeutic group: Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, Oxicams, ATC code: M01 AC06.
    Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam family, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.
    The anti-inflammatory activity of meloxicam has been proven in classical models of inflammation. As with other NSAID, its precise mechanism of action remains unknown.
    Common mechanisms for the general effects of all NSAIDs (including meloxicam) is the inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, known inflammation mediators.

  • PHARMACOKINETICS

    Absorption
    Meloxicam is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which is reflected by a high absolute bioavailability of about 90% following oral administration. Tablets, oral suspension and capsules were shown to be bioequivalent. Following single dose administration of meloxicam, median maximum plasma concentrations are achieved within 2 hours for the suspension and within 5 - 6 hours with solid oral dosage forms (capsules and tablets). With multiple dosing, steady state conditions were reached within 3 to 5 days. Once daily dosing leads to mean drug plasma concentrations with a relatively small peak-trough fluctuation in the range of 0.4 - 1.0µg/mL for 7.5mg doses and 0.8 - 2.0µg/mL for 15mg doses, respectively (Cmin and Cmax at steady state, correspondingly). Mean maximum plasma concentrations of meloxicam at steady state are achieved within five to six hours for the tablet, capsule and the oral suspension, respectively. Extent of absorption for meloxicam following oral administration is not altered by concomitant food intake.
    Distribution
    Meloxicam is very strongly bound to plasma proteins, essentially albumin (99%). Meloxicam penetrates into synovial fluid to give concentrations approximately half of those in plasma.
    Volume of distribution is low, on average 11 L. Inter-individual variation is the order of 30 - 40%.
    Biotransformation
    Meloxicam undergoes extensive hepatic biotransformation. Four different metabolites of meloxicam were identified in urine, which are all pharmacodynamically inactive. The major metabolite, 5'-carboxymeloxicam (60% of dose), is formed by oxidation of an intermediate metabolite 5'- hydroxymethylmeloxicam, which is also excreted to a lesser extent (9% of dose). In vitro studies suggest that CYP 2C9 plays an important role in this metabolic pathway, with a minor contribution from the CYP 3A4 isoenzyme. The patient's peroxidase activity is probably responsible for the other two metabolites, which account for 16% and 4% of the administered dose respectively.
    Elimination
    Meloxicam is excreted predominantly in the form of metabolites and occurs to equal extents in urine and faeces. Less than 5% of the daily dose is excreted unchanged in faeces, while only traces of the parent compound are excreted in urine.
    The mean elimination half-life is about 20 hours. Total plasma clearance amounts on average 7,5 mL/ min.
    Linearity/non-linearity
    Meloxicam demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics in the therapeutic dose range of 7.5 mg - 15 mg following per oral or intramuscular administration.
    Special populations
    Hepatic/renal insufficiency
    Neither hepatic, nor mild nor moderate renal insufficiency has a substantial effect on meloxicam pharmacokinetics. In terminal renal failure, the increase in the volume of distribution may result in higher free meloxicam concentrations, and a daily dose of 7.5 mg must not be exceeded.
    Elderly
    Mean plasma clearance at steady state in elderly subjects was slightly lower than that reported for younger subjects.

  • Driving and operating machinery

    There are no specific studies on the ability to drive and use machinery. However, on the basis of the pharmacodynamic profile and reported adverse drug reactions, meloxicam is likely to have no or negligible influence on these abilities. However, when visual disturbances or drowsiness, vertigo or other central nervous system disturbances occur, it is advisable to refrain from driving and operating machinery.

  • CAREFUL

    INCOMPATIBILITIES: Not applicable.

  • PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN

    Pregnancy
    Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5%.
    The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre- and post-implantation loss and embryo-foetal lethality.
    In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. If meloxicam is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.
    During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to:
    - cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension);
    - renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligohydroamniosis;
    the mother and the neonate, at the end of pregnancy, to:
    - possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti-aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses.
    - inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour.
    Consequently, meloxicam is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.
    Lactation
    While no specific experience exists for meloxicam, NSAIDs are known to pass into mother's milk. Administration is not recommended in women who are breastfeeding.
    Fertility
    The use of meloxicam, as with any drug known to inhibit cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis, may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of meloxicam should be considered.

  • UNWANTED EFFECTS

    General description
    Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke).
    Oedema, hypertension, and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
    The most commonly-observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Peptic ulcers, perforation or gastrointestinal bleeding, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly, may occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, melaena, haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease have been reported following administration. Less frequently, gastritis has been observed.
    The frequencies of adverse drug reactions given below are based on corresponding occurrences of reported adverse events in 27 clinical trials with a treatment duration of at least 14 days. The information is based on clinical trials involving 15197 patients who have been treated with daily oral doses of 7.5 or 15mg meloxicam tablets or capsules over a period of up to one year.
    Adverse drug reactions that have come to light as a result of reports received in relation to administration of the marketed product are included.
    Adverse reactions have been ranked under headings of frequency using the following convention: Very common (> 1/10); common (> 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1000, < 1/100); rare (> 1/10000, < 1/1000); very rare (< 1/10000); not known (cannot estimate from the available data)
    Adverse reactions
    Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Uncommon: anaemia. Rare: blood count abnormal (including differential white cell count), leukopenia, thrombocytopenia. Very rare: Agranulocytosis.
    Immune system disorders
    Uncommon: Allergic reactions other than anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions. Not known: Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction.
    Psychiatric disorders
    Rare: Mood altered, nightmares. Not known: Confusional state, disorientation.
    Nervous system disorders
    Common: Headache. Uncommon: Dizziness, somnolence.
    Eye disorders
    Rare: Visual disturbance including vision blurred; conjunctivitis.
    Ear and labyrinth disorders
    Uncommon: Vertigo. Rare: Tinnitus.
    Cardiac disorders
    Rare: Palpitations.
    Not known: Cardiac failure has been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
    Vascular disorders
    Uncommon: Blood pressure increased, flushing.
    Risk of cardiovascular thrombosis (see section Special warnings and precautions for use).
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Rare: Asthma in individuals allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Very common: Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea. Uncommon: Occult or macroscopic gastrointestinal haemorrhage, stomatitis, gastritis, eructation. Rare: Colitis, gastroduodenal ulcer, oesophagitis. Very rare: Gastrointestinal perforation. Not known: Pancreatitis.
    Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, ulceration or perforation may sometimes be severe and potentially fatal, especially in elderly.
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    Uncommon: Liver function disorder (e.g. raised transaminases or bilirubin). Very rare: Hepatitis.
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Uncommon: Angioedema, pruritus, rash. Rare: Stevens - Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria. Very rare: Dermatitis bullous, erythema multiforme. Not known: Photosensitivity reaction.
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Uncommon: Sodium and water retention, hyperkalaemia, renal function test abnormal (increased serum creatinine and/or serum urea). Very rare: Acute renal failure in particular in patients with risk factors.
    General disorders and administration site conditions
    Uncommon: Oedema including oedema of the lower limbs.
    Information characterising individual serious and/or frequently occurring adverse reactions
    Very rare cases of agranulocytosis have been reported in patients treated with meloxicam and other potentially myelotoxic drugs.
    Adverse reactions which have not been observed yet in relation to the product, but which are generally accepted as being attributable to other compounds in the class.
    Organic renal injury probably resulting in acute renal failure: very rare cases of interstitial nephritis, acute tubular necrosis, nephrotic syndrome, and papillary necrosis have been reported.
    Please inform your doctor of all undesirable effects upon drug administration.

  • OVERDOSE AND TREATMENT

    Symptoms following acute NSAID overdose are usually limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain, which are generally reversible with supportive care. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur. Severe poisoning may result in hypertension, acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, respiratory depression, coma, convulsions, cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with therapeutic ingestion of NSAID and may occur following an overdose.
    Patients should be managed with symptomatic and supportive care following an NSAID overdose. Accelerated removal of meloxicam by 4 g oral doses of cholestyramine given three times a day was demonstrated in a clinical trial.

  • STORAGE CONDITIONS

    Store in dry places, not exceeding 30oC, protect from light.

  • Expiry
    36 months from the manufacturing date.
  • Warnings and notes when using

    Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
    The recommended maximum daily dose should not be exceeded in case of insufficient therapeutic effect, nor should an additional NSAID be added to the therapy because this may increase the toxicity while therapeutic advantage has not been proven. The use of meloxicam with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided.
    Meloxicam is not appropriate for the treatment of patients requiring relief from acute pain. In the absence of improvement after several days, the clinical benefit of the treatment should be reassessed.
    Any history of oesophagitis, gastritis and/or peptic ulcer must be sought in order to ensure their total cure before starting treatment with meloxicam. Attention should routinely be paid to the possible onset of a recurrence in patients treated with meloxicam and with a past history of this type.
    Gastrointestinal effects
    Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at anytime during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.
    The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation, and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available. Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin, or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk.
    Patients with a history of gastrointestinal toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially gastrointestinal bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.
    Caution is advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as heparin as curative treatment or given in the elderly, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including acetylsalicylic acid given at doses ≥ 500 mg as single intake or ≥ 3 g as total daily amount.
    When gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving meloxicam, the treatment should be withdrawn.
    NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated.
    Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects
    Risk of cardiovascular thrombosis: NSAIDs, non-aspirin, by systemic route, have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular thrombosis including myocardial infarction and stroke which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in the first few weeks of treatment and may increase with duration of use. The risk of cardiovascular thrombosis has been observed most consistently at higher doses.
    Physicians should periodically assess the occurrence of cardiovascular events, even if the patients have no previous cardiac symptoms. Patients should be warned about the symptoms of severe cardiovascular events and consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms occur. Undesirable effects may be minimized by using the lowest effective dose of Mebilax 7.5 for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
    Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
    Clinical monitoring of blood pressure for patients at risk is recommended at baseline and especially during treatment initiation with meloxicam.
    Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with meloxicam after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).
    Skin reaction
    Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs. Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Meloxicam should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
    Life-threatening cutaneous reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported with the use of meloxicam.
    - Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms and monitored closely for skin reactions. The highest risk for occurrence of SJS or TEN is within the first weeks of treatment.
    - If symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN (e.g. progressive skin rash often with blisters or mucosal lesions) are present, meloxicam treatment should be discontinued.
    - The best results in managing SJS and TEN come from early diagnosis and immediate discontinuation of any suspect drug. Early withdrawal is associated with a better prognosis.
    - If the patient has developed SJS or TEN with the use of meloxicam, meloxicam must not be restarted in this patient at any time.
    Parameters of liver and renal function
    As with most NSAIDs, occasional increases in serum transaminase levels, increases in serum bilirubin or other liver function parameters, as well as increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen as well as other laboratory disturbances, have been reported. The majority of these instances involved transitory and slight abnormalities. Should any such abnormality prove significant or persistent, the administration of meloxicam should be stopped and appropriate investigations undertaken.
    Functional renal failure
    NSAIDs, by inhibiting the vasodilating effect of renal prostaglandins, may induce a functional renal failure by reduction of glomerular filtration. This adverse event is dose-dependent. At the beginning of the treatment, or after dose increase, careful monitoring of diuresis and renal function is recommended in patients with the following risk factors: elderly; concomitant treatments such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II antagonists, sartans, diuretics; hypovolemia (whatever the cause); congestive heart failure; renal failure; nephrotic syndrome; lupus nephropathy; severe hepatic dysfunction (serum albumin <25 g/l or Child-Pugh score > 10).
    In rare instance NSAIDs may be the cause of interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis, renal medullary necrosis or nephrotic syndrome.
    The dose of meloxicam in patients with end-stage renal failure on haemodialysis should not be higher than 7.5 mg (one 7.5 mg tablet). No dose reduction is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (i.e. patients with a creatinine clearance of greater than 25 ml/min).
    Sodium, potassium and water retention
    Induction of sodium, potassium and water retention and interference with the natriuretic effects of diuretics may occur with NSAIDs. Furthermore, a decrease of the antyhypertensive effect of antyhypertensive drugs can occur.
    Consequently, oedema, cardiac failure or hypertension may be precipitated or exacerbated in susceptible patients as a result. Clinical monitoring is therefore necessary for patients at risk.
    Hyperkalaemia
    Hyperkalaemia can be favoured by diabetes or concomitant treatment known to increase kalaemia. Regular monitoring of potassium values should be performed in such cases.
    Combination with pemetrexed
    In patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency receiving pemetrexed, meloxicam should be interrupted for at least 5 days prior to, on the day of, and at least 2 days following pemetrexed administration.
    Other warnings and precautions
    Adverse reactions are often less well tolerated in elderly, fragile or weakened individuals, who therefore require careful monitoring. As with other NSAIDs, particular caution is required in the elderly, in whom renal, hepatic and cardiac functions are frequently impaired. The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal.
    Meloxicam, as any other NSAID may mask symptoms of an underlying infectious disease.
    The use of meloxicam, as with any drug known to inhibit cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin syntheses, may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving, or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of meloxicam should be considered.
    Excipients
    Lactose monohydrate: Patients with galactose intolerance, lactase insufficiency or glucose - galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

  • Drug interactions and incompatibilities

    INTERATIONS
    Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
    Risks related to hyperkalaemia
    Certain medicinal products or therapeutic groups may promote hyperkalaemia: potassium salts, potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (low-molecular-weight or unfractionated) heparins, ciclosporin, tacrolimus and trimethoprim.
    The onset of hyperkalaemia may depend on whether there are associated factors.
    This risk is increased when the above-mentioned medicinal products are co-administered with meloxicam.
    Pharmacodynamic interactions
    Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid
    Combination with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including acetylsalicylic acid given at doses ≥500mg as single intake or ≥ 3g as total daily amount is not recommended. Administration of several NSAIDs together may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, via a synergistic effect.
    Corticosteroids (e.g. Glucocorticoids): The concomitant use with corticosteroids requests caution because of an increased risk of bleeding or gastrointestinal ulceration.
    Anticoagulant or heparin administered in geriatrics or at curative doses: Considerably increased risk of bleeding, via inhibition of platelet function and damage to the gastroduodenal mucosa. NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin. The concomitant use of NSAIDs and anticoagulants or heparin administered in geriatrics or at curative dose is not recommended.
    In remaining cases of heparin use caution is necessary due to an increased bleeding risk. Careful monitoring of the INR is required if it proves impossible to avoid such combination.
    Thrombolytics and antiplatelet drugs: Increased risk of bleeding, via inhibition of platelet function and damage to the gastroduodenal mucosa.
    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
    Diuretics, ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin-II antagonists: NSAIDs may reduce the effect of diuretics and other antihypertensive drugs. In some patients with compromised renal function (e.g. dehydrated patients or elderly patients with compromised renal function) the co-administration of an ACE inhibitor or Angiotensin-II antagonists and agents that inhibit cyclo-oxygenase may result in further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, which is usually reversible. Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring of renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.
    Other antihypertensive drugs (e.g. Beta-blockers): As for the latter, a decrease of the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers (due to inhibition of prostaglandins with vasodilatory effect) can occur.
    Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. cyclosporin, tacrolimus): Nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors may be enhanced by NSAIDs via renal prostaglandin mediated effects. During combined treatment renal function is to be measured. A careful monitoring of the renal function is recommended, especially in the elderly.
    Intrauterine devices: NSAIDs have been reported to decrease the efficacy of intrauterine devices. A decrease of the efficacy of intrauterine devices by NSAIDs has been previously reported but needs further confirmation.
    Pharmacokinetic interactions (effect of meloxicam on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs)
    Lithium: NSAIDs have been reported to increase blood lithium levels (via decreased renal excretion of lithium), which may reach toxic values. The concomitant use of lithium and NSAIDs is not recommended. If this combination appears necessary, lithium plasma concentrations should be monitored carefully during the initiation, adjustment and withdrawal of meloxicam treatment.
    Methotrexate: NSAIDs can reduce the tubular secretion of methotrexate thereby increasing the plasma concentrations of methotrexate. For this reason, for patients on high dosages of methotrexate (more than 15 mg/week) the concomitant use of NSAIDs is not recommended. The risk of an interaction between NSAID preparations and methotrexate, should be considered also in patients on low dosage of methotrexate, especially in patients with impaired renal function. In case combination treatment is necessary blood cell count and the renal function should be monitored. Caution should be taken in case both NSAID and methotrexate are given within 3 days, in which case the plasma level of methotrexate may increase and cause increased toxicity. Although the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate (15 mg/week) were not relevantly affected by concomitant meloxicam treatment, it should be considered that the haematological toxicity of methotrexate can be amplified by treatment with NSAID drugs.
    Pharmacokinetic interactions (effect of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam)
    Cholestyramine: Cholestyramine accelerates the elimination of meloxicam by interrupting the enterohepatic circulation so that clearance for meloxicam increases by 50% and the half-life decreases to 13 + 3 hrs. This interaction is of clinical significance.
    No clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions were detected with respect to the concomitant administration of antacids, cimetidine and digoxin.
    INCOMPATIBILITIES: Not applicable.

  • Indication

    Short-term symptomatic treatment of exacerbations of osteoarthritis.
    Long term symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

  • Contraindicated

    Third trimester of pregnancy.
    Children and adolescents aged under 16 years.
    Hypersensitivity to meloxicam or to one of the excipients or hypersensitivity to substances with a similar action, e.g. NSAIDs, aspirin. Meloxicam should not be given to patients who have developed signs of asthma, nasal polyps, angioneurotic oedema or urticaria following the administration of aspirin or other NSAIDs.
    History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
    Active, or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
    Severely impaired liver function.
    Non-dialysed severe renal failure.
    Gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebrovascular bleeding or other bleeding disorders.
    Severe heart failure.

  • DOSAGE AND HOW TO USE

    For oral use.
    The total daily amount should be taken as a single dose, with water or another liquid, during a meal.
    Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. The patient's need for symptomatic relief and response to therapy should be re-evaluated periodically, especially in patients with osteoarthritis.
    Exacerbations of osteoarthrosis: 7.5 mg/day (one 7.5 mg tablet). If necessary, in the absence of improvement, the dose may be increased to 15mg/day.
    Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: 15mg/day (two 7.5 mg tablets).
    According to the therapeutic response, the dose may be reduced to 7.5 mg/day (one 7.5 mg tablet).
    DO NOT EXCEED THE DOSE OF 15MG PER DAY.
    Special populations
    Elderly patients and patients with increased risks for adverse reactions
    The recommended dose for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in elderly patients is 7.5 mg (one 7.5 mg tablet) per day. Patients with increased risks for adverse reactions should start treatment with 7.5 mg per day.
    Renal impairment
    In dialysis patients with severe renal failure, the dose should not exceed 7.5 mg (one 7.5 mg tablet) per day.
    No dose reduction is required in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (i.e. patients with a creatinine clearance of greater than 25 ml/min).
    Meloxicam is contra-indicated for patients with non-dialysed severe renal failure.
    Hepatic impairment
    No dose reduction is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
    Meloxicam is contraindicated for patients with severely impaired liver function.
    Children and adolescents
    Meloxicam is contraindicated in children and adolescents aged under 16 years. Meloxicam in other dosages may be more appropriate.
    Or as directed by the physician.