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Compare Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam and aspirin are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Meloxicam is a prescription medication available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid, and injections, while aspirin is an over-the-counter medication available as tablets and suppositories. Meloxicam is typically used for different types of arthritis pain and is taken once daily. On the other hand, aspirin is used for minor aches and fever and can be taken multiple times a day as needed. At low doses (81 mg), aspirin can also be used as a blood thinner to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Both medications can cause stomach issues, but it’s less likely with meloxicam. Aspirin cannot be used in children younger than 12 years old due to risk of Reye’s syndrome. In some cases, aspirin can be taken during pregnancy, but meloxicam should never be used, as it can cause harm to unborn babies.

  • Meloxicam
    Aspirin
  • Meloxicam
    Aspirin

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

    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.

    Summary for NSAID

    Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

    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)
    Indications for
    •Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
    •Fever
    •Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
    •Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
    •Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
    •Might worsen asthma symptoms
    •Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
    •Can't be used in children 12 years or younger

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
    •Kidney problems
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Different aspirin strengths available

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Aspirin

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    Learn more about Aspirin

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