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Compare Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

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

Key takeaways

Piroxicam (Feldene) and meloxicam (Mobic, Anjeso) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They work by blocking proteins that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. However, they have some differences. Piroxicam is available as an oral capsule and is typically taken once daily, while meloxicam comes in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid, and an injectable form that's used in the hospital. It can take 2 to 3 months to get the full effects of piroxicam. Both medications can cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart problems, but meloxicam is thought to have fewer kidney and stomach side effects than many other NSAIDs. Do not take other NSAIDs, including OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) while you are taking either piroxicam or meloxicam.

  • Piroxicam (Feldene)
    Meloxicam
  • Piroxicam (Feldene)
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Piroxicam (Feldene) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

    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.

  • Indications of Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis
    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Can be taken once daily
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not available as a liquid
    •Can take 2 to 3 months to get the full effects
    •Can cause serious complications, including stomach bleeding and kidney problems, if taken for a long period of time.
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Passing gas
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Swelling or fluid buildup
    •Rash
    •Ringing in the ears

    Please note: The side effects below were reported by up to 10% of people who took piroxicam (Feldene) in clinical trials.

    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%)

  • Warnings of Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Piroxicam vs. Meloxicam

    Learn more about Piroxicam
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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