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Compare Meloxicam vs. Percocet

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) are both medications used to treat pain, but they belong to different medication classes. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is primarily used for arthritis pain, while Percocet is a combination of an opioid—oxycodone (Roxicodone, OxyContin)—and an analgesic—acetaminophen (Tylenol)—used for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. Meloxicam is available in oral forms like capsules, tablets, and liquid, as well as an injectable form (only administered by a healthcare professional), and is taken once daily. Percocet is available as tablets and an oral liquid solution and is typically taken every 6 hours as needed. Both are available as generics. Percocet is a controlled substance due to its high risk of misuse and dependency. Common side effects of meloxicam include diarrhea and stomach upset, while Percocet can cause constipation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. Meloxicam should not be taken with other NSAIDs, and Percocet should not be taken with other acetaminophen-containing medications to avoid liver damage, or other medications that cause drowsiness or slowed breathing.

  • Meloxicam
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
  • Meloxicam
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Percocet

    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 Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Percocet

    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 that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Percocet

    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 Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse and dependency
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Percocet

    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
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Percocet

    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
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Percocet

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    Learn more about Percocet

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