Meloxicam Injection

pronounced as (mel ox' i cam)

Brand Name(s): Anjeso®, also available generically

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Meloxicam injection is used alone or in combination with other pain medications for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain in adults, usually after surgery. Meloxicam is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Meloxicam injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject intravenously (into a vein). It is usually given once a day as needed for pain by a healthcare provider in a hospital.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using meloxicam injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to meloxicam, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in meloxicam injection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using meloxicam injection.;( Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • the following nonprescription products may interact with meloxicam injection: aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start receiving meloxicam injection. Do not start any of these medications while receiving meloxicam injection without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you have or recently have had severe vomiting or diarrhea or think you may be dehydrated. Your doctor may not want you to receive meloxicam injection.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section; asthma, especially if you have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); heart failure; high levels of potassium in the blood; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant; or are breast-feeding. Meloxicam injection may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is used around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy. Do not use meloxicam injection around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you become pregnant while receiving meloxicam injection, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • lack of energy
  • drowsiness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • bloody, black, or tarry stools
  • vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
  • difficulty breathing
  • coma

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Meloxicam injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • pain or itching at injection site

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • fever
  • blisters
  • rash
  • skin blisters or peeling
  • hives
  • itching
  • swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, or throat
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • pale skin
  • fast heartbeat
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • unexplained weight gain,
  • swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs
  • nausea
  • excessive tiredness
  • lack of energy
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • pain in the right upper part of the stomach
  • flu-like symptoms
  • cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
  • back pain
  • difficult or painful urination

Meloxicam injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about meloxicam injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

subscribe section background