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Compare Indocin vs. Mobic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Indomethacin (Indocin) and meloxicam (Mobic) are both NSAIDs used to treat arthritis pain, but they have some key differences. Indomethacin is available as a tablet, liquid, and rectal suppository, while meloxicam comes in oral forms like capsules, tablets, and liquid, as well as an injectable form. Indomethacin is typically used multiple times a day, whereas meloxicam is usually taken once daily. Meloxicam tends to cause fewer stomach and kidney side effects because it blocks COX-2 more than COX-1, unlike indomethacin, which blocks both COX-1 and COX-2. Both medications require a prescription and are not safe during pregnancy.

  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Meloxicam
  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Indocin vs. Mobic

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid that you take by mouth. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam can raise the risk for stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Indocin vs. Mobic

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including flare-ups
    •Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis
    •Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
    •Shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis
    •Gouty arthritis
    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis (capsules, tablets, and oral suspension)
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (tablets and oral suspension)
    •Moderate-to-severe pain (Anjeso injection)

  • Pros and Cons of Indocin vs. Mobic

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can treat many different types of arthritis
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Not available over-the-counter
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Causes less stomach upset than some other NSAIDs
    •Works well to treat pain caused by different types of arthritis
    Cons
    •Available only by prescription
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Different formulations (e.g., capsules, liquid) might not be able to be substituted for one another

  • Common Side Effects of Indocin vs. Mobic

    Common Side Effects for

    Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for

    Meloxicam capsules, tablets, and oral solution:

    •Headache (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 8%)
    •Joint pain (up to 6%)
    •Urinary tract infections (up to 6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Upset stomach (up to 5%)
    •Swelling (up to 5%)

    Meloxicam (Anjeso) injection:

    •Constipation (8%)
    •Liver damage (3%)
    •Low red blood cells (2%)

  • Warnings of Indocin vs. Mobic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Indocin vs. Mobic

    Learn more about Indomethacin
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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