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Compare Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam and prednisone are both prescription medications used to treat conditions involving inflammation and pain, such as arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking proteins that cause inflammation, while prednisone is a corticosteroid that lessens your body's immune response that otherwise causes symptoms such as pain, itching, and swelling. Meloxicam is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, oral suspension, and an injection (administered by a healthcare professional only), and is typically taken once daily. Prednisone is available as immediate-release tablets, delayed-release tablets, and an oral solution, with dosing varying based on the condition being treated. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of meloxicam include diarrhea and stomach upset, whereas prednisone can cause mood changes and increased appetite. Both medications have potential drug interactions; for example, meloxicam should not be taken with other NSAIDs, and prednisone should be used cautiously with medications that weaken the immune system.

  • Meloxicam
    Prednisone
  • Meloxicam
    Prednisone

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    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 Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth by adults and children to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as allergies and certain skin conditions. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some of the common short-term side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a month or longer, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    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

    This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

    •Allergies or allergic reactions
    •Skin conditions
    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Eye conditions
    •Lung conditions
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia
    •Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    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 Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Available as a liquid, which is a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response to the medication
    Cons
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to taper your dose before stopping (if you took it for more than a couple of weeks)
    •Might raise your risk for infections, bone weakening, and skin problems if used long term
    •Can slow growth in children if they take it for a long period of time

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    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
    •Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)
    •Stomach bloating
    •Muscle weakness
    •Headache
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Changes in your mood
    •Larger appetite (possibly leading to weight gain)
    •Higher blood sugar

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    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
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Prednisone

    Learn more about Meloxicam
    Learn more about Prednisone

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