Mobic
It is the brand name of Meloxicam, a medication that belongs to a family of drugs known as COX-2 inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines work by relieving inflammation and pain.
Uses
It is typically used to treat pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (also referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Moreover, it is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine.
This medication works by blocking the effect of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, natural chemicals. Although this drug can relieve the symptoms of inflammation and pain, it will not cure the condition.
Dosage
It is available in capsules and tablets. They need to be swallowed whole. Also, it is recommended to take this drug at regular intervals. If it upsets the stomach, take it with food.
The usual recommended dose for the relief of the symptoms of osteoarthritis is 7.5 mg once per day. In adults, the maximum dose is 15 mg. It starts to relieve pain about 30 to 60 minutes after intake.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Meloxicam
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- upset stomach;
- headaches;
- nervousness;
- gas;
- runny or stuffy nose;
- skin rash;
- a sore throat;
- dizziness;
- bloating;
- diarrhea;
- nausea.
Rare side effects may include:
- hives;
- fever;
- swelling of the face, eyes, tongue, lips, or throat;
- fast heartbeat;
- hoarseness;
- blisters;
- difficulty breathing;
- pale skin;
- lack of energy;
- unexplained weight gain;
- flu-like symptoms;
- back pain;
- swelling of the abdomen;
- painful urination;
- bloody urine;
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach;
- excessive tiredness.
Note – the risk of side effects may be greater if you have increased the risk for heart disease due to sedentarism, diet, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking tobacco.
More importantly, this medicine may affect the liver. Symptoms may include liver inflammation and yellowing of the whites of your eyes or skin. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have or have had any of the following:
- high LDL and total cholesterol;
- fluid retention;
- hypertension;
- asthma;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- type 2 diabetes;
- kidney disease;
- stomach ulcers;
- heartburn.
Alcohol
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since it may increase your risk of side effects, especially stomach bleeding.
Celebrex
It is the brand name of celecoxib, a prescription drug. In fact, it is a COX-2 inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which stops the production of compounds in the body which are responsible for inflammation and pain.
Although this drug can relieve the symptoms of inflammation and pain, it will not cure the condition.
In 1998, FDA first approved it for the production by the drug company G.D. Searle. In the United State, more than 12 million prescriptions of this brand drug are filled per year.
Uses
It is commonly used to treat the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (a form of arthritis in which there is an inflammation of the joints of the spine), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Additionally, it provides short-term pain relief for the following conditions:
- joint injuries;
- muscle injuries;
- after surgery;
- menstrual cramps.
Dosage
For rheumatoid arthritis, the usual recommended dose is 100 to 200 mg per day. For osteoarthritis, the recommended dose is 200 mg daily.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Celecoxib
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- stomach pain;
- nausea;
- constipation;
- dizziness;
- gas;
- headaches;
- heartburn;
- respiratory tract infection;
- vomiting.
Rare side effects may include:
- unexplained weight gain;
- excessive tiredness;
- shortness of breath;
- unusual bleeding;
- lack of energy;
- swelling of the ankles and feet;
- flu-like symptoms;
- itching;
- blisters;
- hoarseness;
- loss of appetite;
- pale skin;
- difficulty swallowing;
- back pain;
- discolored urine;
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach;
- hives;
- fast heartbeat;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- frequent urination, particularly at night;
- difficult urination;
- fever;
- swelling of the throat, face, eyes, tongue, lips, or hands.
Drug Interactions
- Eliquis (apixaban);
- Cymbalta (duloxetine);
- Coumadin (warfarin);
- aspirin;
- Aleve (naproxen);
- Advil (ibuprofen).
Before you start using this medication, it is essential that your healthcare provider knows:
- if you have liver or kidney problems;
- if you have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- if you have ever had blood clotting problems;
- if you have asthma;
- if you have high blood pressure;
- if you are taking any other drugs. This includes any herbal and complementary medicines as well as drugs that are available to buy with or without a prescription.
- if you have a connective tissue disorder, like – systemic lupus erythematosus;
- if you have a problem with your blood vessels or circulation;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (the use of NSAIDs in early pregnancy can considerably increase the risk of spontaneous abortion);
- if you have a heart condition;
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of drugs, especially to naproxen, aspirin, indomethacin, and diclofenac;
- if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder, like – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease;
- if you have had a duodenal or stomach ulcer.
Mobic vs Celebrex – Differences
Mobic is used to treat arthritis. It works by reducing the swelling, pain, and stiffness of the joints.
Its main advantage is that it needs to be taken only once a day, while most NSAIDS require being taken a few times per day. However, the use of this drug should be limited for the shortest period of time needed and to the lowest effective dose.
Celebrex is a more selective NSAID that is advertised as having fewer side effects (mainly stomach problems) than other NSAIDs. However, it is notably more expensive.
6 Natural Pain Killers – NSAID Alternatives
There is a variety of natural nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug alternatives, some of which may pose fewer (or none) side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts.
#1 Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is responsible for lowering the levels of two enzymes in the human body which cause inflammation. One of the ways in which it blocks inflammation is through its capacity to block NF-KB.
Note – black pepper increases curcumin absorption by 2000 percent.
#2 Ginger
According to a 2013 study issued in the journal Arthritis, ginger is more effective than many NSAIDs.
It contains compounds called gingerols, that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, ginger is less likely than NSAIDs to cause gastrointestinal irritation and inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
#3 Cannabis
Some studies have demonstrated that this flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae helped provide effective pain relief when used by people living with cancer as an adjuvant treatment.
#4 Capsaicin
It is the active compound found in chili pepper that is responsible for its hot taste, however, it is also accountable for its powerful health benefits.
#5 Boswellia
It has potent anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, as well as analgesic properties. It contains Boswellic acid, a plant compound that prevents the accumulation of white blood cells that cause inflammation, plus, it improves the blood flow to the joints.
#6 Devil’s Claw
It is a South African medicinal herb that has been popular in Europe for a few centuries. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for people suffering from tendonitis, arthritis, and muscle pain.
Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty
READ THIS NEXT: Guanfacine vs Adderall
References http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1611593#t=article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8630633