TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

MELOXICAM

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Immunology Approved 2004-06-01

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to manage pain and inflammation in adults with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps patients weighing at least 60 kg who have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, specifically the pauciarticular or polyarticular types. This medication is prescribed to provide relief from the physical signs and symptoms associated with these chronic joint conditions.

Source: FDA Label • Cipla • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug

How MELOXICAM Works

Meloxicam works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. By decreasing the synthesis of these prostaglandins—which normally sensitize nerves and mediate inflammation—the drug helps reduce pain, fever, and swelling in peripheral tissues.

14
Indications
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Phase 3 Trials
1
Priority Reviews
21
Years on Market

MELOXICAM Approval History

2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
329 FDA actions from 2004 to 2024
Dec 2024 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Dec 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Dec 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What MELOXICAM Treats

3 indications

MELOXICAM is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2004. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (pauciarticular and polyarticular)
Source: FDA Label

MELOXICAM Boxed Warning

RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use ( 5.1 ) Meloxicam tablet is contraindicated in the sett...

MELOXICAM Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to MELOXICAM

3 of 20

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DICLOFENAC SODIUM
2 shared
Pfizer
CATAFLAM
DICLOFENAC POTASSIUM
2 shared
Novartis
CELEBREX
CELECOXIB
2 shared
UPJOHN
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Clinical Trial Registry

12 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT04115098 results posted HSC-MS-19-0677 KL2TR003168 Ph 2 terminated Individualizing Anti-Inflammatory Medications for Adults With Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Series of N-of 1 Trials
NCT01147289 Dextra EF 102 Ph 3 completed Efficacy and Safety of Injectable Association of Dexamethasone, Dipyrone and Hydrocobalamin in Lumbar Sciatic Pain
NCT05974501 results posted 20230147 Ph 4 completed Pre vs Post Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
NCT03896009 MOMENTUM results posted AXS-07-301 Ph 3 completed Maximizing Outcomes in Treating Acute Migraine
NCT04766996 results posted STUDY00002021 Ph 4 terminated PROUD Study - Preventing Opioid Use Disorders
NCT02706054 MELO-RCT Ph 3 completed Treatment of Recent Onset Low Back Pain With Periradicular Injections of Meloxicam
NCT03586934 ORA 17071004 Ph 3 withdrawn Multimodal Analgesia in Shoulder Arthroplasty
NCT02078102 results posted IUCRO-0419 CA182947, 1312925163 Ph 2 completed A Phase II Trial Using Meloxicam Plus Filgrastim in Patients With Multiple Myeloma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
NCT03473665 results posted AAAR3505 Ph 4 terminated Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Axial Spondyloarthritis
NCT02003625 results posted 13-195 Ph 2 completed Meloxicam vs Placebo for Mobilization
NCT02255045 AVM002 Ph 2, Ph 3 completed Assessment of a Vaginal Ring With Meloxicam in the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea
NCT02298218 4-2008-0597 Ph 4 completed Clinical Study About the Role of COX-2 Inhibitor in Liver Cirrhosis With Biliary Atresia
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

MELOXICAM FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

MELOXICAM is indicated for the treatment of Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (pauciarticular and polyarticular).

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thromb...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.