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Choosing a Meloxicam Alternative: Which One Works Better?

Last Updated: August 3, 2021

Authored by Olivier George, Ph.D.

Reviewed by Michael Espelin APRN

Meloxicam is commonly used for treating pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis. If one experiences any side effects or wants to switch it because of Mobic abuse potential, there are a wide range of other NSAIDs as well as Meloxicam OTC and natural alternatives that serve the same purpose. Discover what options are available and how to choose a suitable Meloxicam alternative.

Why Do Patients Look For Mobic Alternatives?

The primary reason why patients prescribed Mobic 159 pill choose to switch to other pain and non-inflammatory drug therapy options or find Meloxicam alternatives is because of its side effects. High doses of this medication can cause both heart and gastrointestinal issues. The drug can also cause shortness of breath, making it not the best option for asthmatic patients.

Other reasons why patients find an alternative to Meloxicam include:

Hypertension

Patients with related conditions may experience hypertension when taking Mobic as the drug may increase adverse reactions. These reactions may cause swelling and fluid retention as well.

Liver, Kidney, and Heart Problems

Elderly patients with prior kidney or liver problems are typically advised to avoid Mobic as it puts them at risk of liver or kidney failure. Besides, there is also a constant risk of heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke for patients with prior heart conditions.

Risk of Weight Gain

Typically, patients over 60 years are at risk of gaining extra weight while taking Mobic. Problems with weight are also a reason why individuals may choose other alternatives to Meloxicam.

Prescription NSAID Meloxicam Alternatives

Apart from Mobic, there are other prescription drugs that fall into the same drug class. They share many similarities in terms of the mechanism of action and what the treatment is like. However, there are also differences. For example, some drugs can be more likely to cause particular side effects; others will be more suitable for patients with certain health conditions.

Celebrex

This Meloxicam alternative is also sold under the generic name celecoxib; it works as a medication for treating pain and inflammation in patients dealing with such ailments. It does not interfere with blood clotting, and this makes it an excellent alternative to Meloxicam. Celebrex is a prescription-only medication – which means that patients cannot get it over the counter. It is also relatively cheaper than Mobic and can be easily obtained at pharmacies around. There is a reduced risk of stomach ulcer, bleeding, and intestinal issues with Celebrex compared to Meloxicam.

Relafen

Relafen, also known as Nabumetone, is also an NSAID with similar functions and health benefits and milder side effects. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation as well as mitigate the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Man suffering knee pain.

Unlike other NSAIDs, which are taken a few times a day for the same efficacy, Relafen is taken just once. It also causes fewer stomach upsets than other NSAIDs such as Mobic or ibuprofen. Common side effects in prescription doses include gastritis cramping, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Cambia

Cambia, also known as Diclofenac, is a prescription-only NSAID effective for relieving pain and inflammation. It is a suitable Meloxicam alternative when not used for daily (chronic) use, heightening its side effects. It is available as a gel or in powder packets for people who have difficulty taking the pills.

Best Meloxicam OTC Alternatives

One cannot buy Meloxicam over the counter because it is a prescription drug. However, before resorting to prescription medication, it is best to consider OTC drugs. They are available without a prescription and have proven to be effective. So there is always a possibility an OTC Meloxicam alternative will work, and they are worth trying.

Naproxen

One of the best over-the-counter Meloxicam alternatives is Naproxen. A similar dosage of Naproxen will offer the same pain alleviation effects. Unlike other NSAIDs, Naproxen effects last longer, meaning patients don’t need to take it as often. Naproxen pills cost less than Mobic, and it is proven to not cause as many stomach problems as other NSAIDs.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a Meloxicam OTC equivalent that is used as a pain relief medication for managing mild to medium pain, inflammation, and fever and relieving the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Between ibuprofen and Mobic, the side effects are milder in the former than the latter.

Tylenol

Also known as Acetaminophen, this OTC medication can relieve pains such as menstrual cramps, toothaches, mild arthritis pain, and fevers with less known side effects than other pain medications such as Mobic.

Woman holding the medications in her hand.

Unlike Mobic, Acetaminophen does not influence inflammation and only treats pain. Among the dangers of Tylenol are liver problems. They can manifest with either long-term use or high doses. Most people who use this drug experience no side effects, although rare allergic reactions such as itching or inflammation may occur in some individuals.

Natural Substitutions

Despite the popularity of NSAIDs for dealing with pain and inflammation, there are also natural alternatives for dealing with pain. For example, a popular natural Meloxicam alternative is acupuncture. It is a practice dated back to the traditional Chinese widespread pain alleviation method. Still, it is considered to be a pseudoscience despite being a natural Mobic alternative and, as such, has no scientific backup.

Other Natural Substitutions Include:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Different foods and fruits are classified under anti-inflammatory remedies. Eating these foods and fruits might not completely curb inflammation, but maintaining a proper diet while always incorporating these foods will help with reducing inflammation.

Some of These Foods Include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Kale, spinach, collards
  • Olive oil
  • Fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon)
  • Walnuts, almonds
  • Berries

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Roots

In addition to foods and fruits that help to reduce inflammation, some herbs and roots are also natural alternatives to Meloxicam. A good example is ginger. Turmeric and ginger both contain properties that help to reduce pain in clients with arthritis.

Turmeric contains an active compound called Curcumin that offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that help with relieving pain and promoting healing. Ginger also contains similar compounds and offers identical properties.

What Is The Best Pain-Relieving Option?

Choosing the best pain-relieving medication is up to the patient and the doctor. The choice will depend on many things like the medical condition treated, the patient’s medical history, etc.

For some patients, Mobic will be the best option. However, only a doctor can come to such a conclusion and prescribe it. When taken in recommended doses, addiction to Mobic is not possible, but it could become a problem if taken consistently for the long term. People can try to integrate a better anti-inflammatory diet into the food plans and try other natural alternatives to Meloxicam like acupuncture and massages.

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Page Sources

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Published on: May 14th, 2019

Updated on: August 3rd, 2021

About Author

Olivier George, Ph.D.

Olivier George is a medical writer and head manager of the rehab center in California. He spends a lot of time in collecting and analyzing the traditional approaches for substance abuse treatment and assessing their efficiency.

Medically Reviewed by

Michael Espelin APRN

8 years of nursing experience in wide variety of behavioral and addition settings that include adult inpatient and outpatient mental health services with substance use disorders, and geriatric long-term care and hospice care.  He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture.

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