Meloxicam vs. Tylenol With Codeine for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Mobic) and Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen/codeine) are both prescription medications used to treat pain, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of pain. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain from arthritis by blocking proteins that cause inflammation. It is taken once daily and is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and injections. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. On the other hand, Tylenol with Codeine is a combination of acetaminophen and codeine, an opioid, used for mild-to-moderate pain that non-opioid medications can't relieve. It is taken every 4 hours as needed and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. Unlike meloxicam, Tylenol with Codeine has a risk of dependence and misuse. Both medications have additional risks during pregnancy, including potential harm to the unborn baby. Both medications have generic versions available, but Tylenol with Codeine is a controlled substance due to its opioid content, while meloxicam is not.

Meloxicam

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Tylenol with Codeine

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Summary for Meloxicam

Prescription only

Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as capsules, tablets and a liquid. All forms are for adults, but some are also for children of certain age and weight. Meloxicam is taken by mouth once a day. The dosage depends on your arthritis type, the form of meloxicam you're using, and age and weight for children. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of stomach bleeds. Meloxicam is a generic medication; its brand name Mobic is no longer available.

Indications for Meloxicam

Osteoarthritis (OA) - capsules, tablets, and oral liquid
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - tablets and oral liquid
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - tablets and oral liquid

Pros and Cons for Meloxicam

Pros

Only taken once a day
Might cause less stomach upset and other stomach problems than some other NSAIDs
Also available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Cons

Available by prescription only
Might not be the best option for older adults or people with kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Can't switch easily between capsules, tablets, and liquid (can't be substituted for one another)

Common Side Effects for Meloxicam

Headache
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Nausea
Stomach pain
Joint pain
Flu-like symptoms

Warnings for Meloxicam

Risk of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
Risk of heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure
Swelling and risk of heart failure
Liver problems
Kidney damage
High potassium levels
Risk of general bleeding and anemia
Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
Worsening asthma in certain people
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Tylenol With Codeine

Prescription only

Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen / codeine), also known as Tylenol #3, is a combination opioid medication. Both acetaminophen and codeine treat mild-to-moderate pain by blocking pain signals in the body. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. Tylenol with Codeine is available as a tablet and liquid. Like other opioids, Tylenol with Codeine can cause common side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. It also has a warning for dangerous breathing problems and risk of dependence and misuse.

Indications for Tylenol With Codeine

Treatment of mild-to-moderate pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Tylenol With Codeine

Pros

Works well for treating mild-to-moderate pain
Combines 2 medications with different modes of pain relief into a single pill
Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
Available as a generic medication

Cons

For short-term pain relief only
Can be habit-forming
Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen, since it can raise the risk of liver damage
Liquid solution contains alcohol