This belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Mobic can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the joints of the backbone) and short term in osteoarthritis.

Mobic works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

Mobic is available in tablet and suppository form.

The brand available is: Mobic.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Mobic tablets and suppositories contain the active ingredient meloxicam, which is a type of drug called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Meloxicam is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Meloxicam works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Meloxicam blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain. Meloxicam is used to relieve inflammation and pain in the joints in various arthritic conditions. Mobic suppositories may be useful for people who can't take meloxicam by mouth, for example because they feel or are being sick, or have just had an operation. The suppositories melt in the rectum and the meloxicam is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in this area.

Treatments

* Rheumatoid arthritis * Osteoarthritis * A form of arthritis affecting the joints of the spine

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Lightheadedness * Headache * Disturbances of the gut such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Excess gas in the stomach and intestines * Skin reactions such as rash or itching * Retention of water in the body tissues, resulting in swelling * Increase in blood pressure * Balance disorders involving the inner ear * Sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears * Drowsiness * Ulceration of the stomach or intestine * Bleeding from the stomach or intestine * Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat or narrowing of the airways * Kidney, liver or blood disorders * Blurred vision * Mood disorders * Difficulty sleeping * Nightmares * Confusion