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Compare Meloxicam vs. Relafen

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Mobic) and nabumetone (Relafen) are both prescription NSAIDs used to treat arthritis pain, but they have some differences. Meloxicam is available in multiple forms, including capsules, tablets, oral suspension, and injection, while nabumetone is only available as an oral tablet. Meloxicam tends to block COX-2 more than COX-1, which may result in fewer stomach and kidney side effects compared to other NSAIDs. Nabumetone, on the other hand, is a non-selective COX inhibitor. Both medications can raise the risk of serious side effects like stomach bleeding, heart attack, and kidney problems. Both medications also have potential to cause severe asthma attacks in some people. Additionally, neither is not recommended during late pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks. Both medications should be taken with caution if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems.

  • Meloxicam
    Nabumetone
  • Meloxicam
    Nabumetone

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    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
    Prescription only

    Nabumetone works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Compared to similar medications, it has lower risks for stomach-related side effects.

  • Indications of Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    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
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Osteoarthritis

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    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
    •Usually taken only once a day, while other NSAIDs need to be taken a few times a day for the same effect
    •Nabumetone causes less stomach-related side effects than other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you have severe heart failure or if you are pregnant
    •Nabumetone can cause serious complications including heart issues, stomach bleeding, and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.

  • Common Side Effects of Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    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
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)

  • Warnings of Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    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
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Higher blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening skin reactions
    •Harm to your unborn baby
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Relafen

    Learn more about Meloxicam
    Learn more about Nabumetone

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