WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and
nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk
of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction
(MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear
that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative
increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears
to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV
disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher
absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their
increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased
risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of
treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently
at higher doses.
To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in
NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of
such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of
previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious
CV events and the steps to take if they occur.
There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of
aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated
with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as meloxicam,
increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events [see Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation].
Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2
selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10-14 days following
CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs
are contraindicated in the setting of CABG [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Post-MI Patients
Observational studies conducted in the Danish National
Registry have demonstrated that patients treated with NSAIDs in the post-MI
period were at increased risk of reinfarction, CV-related death, and allcause mortality
beginning in the first week of treatment. In this same cohort, the incidence of
death in the first year post-MI was 20 per 100 person years in NSAID-treated
patients compared to 12 per 100 person years in non-NSAID exposed patients.
Although the absolute rate of death declined somewhat after the first year
post-MI, the increased relative risk of death in NSAID users persisted over at
least the next four years of follow-up.
Avoid the use of MOBIC in patients with a recent MI
unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of recurrent CV
thrombotic events. If MOBIC is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor
patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation
NSAIDs, including meloxicam, can cause serious gastrointestinal
(GI) adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and
perforation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine,
which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or
without warning symptoms, in patients treated with NSAIDs. Only one in five
patients who develop a serious upper GI adverse event on NSAID therapy is
symptomatic. Upper GI ulcers, gross bleeding, or perforation caused by NSAIDs
occurred in approximately 1% of patients treated for 3-6 months, and in about
2-4% of patients treated for one year. However, even short-term NSAID therapy
is not without risk.
Risk Factors For GI Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation
Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease
and/or GI bleeding who used NSAIDs had a greater than 10fold increased risk for developing a GI
bleed compared to patients without these risk factors. Other factors that
increase the risk of GI bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include longer
duration of NSAID therapy; concomitant use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin,
anticoagulants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); smoking;
use of alcohol; older age; and poor general health status. Most postmarketing
reports of fatal GI events occurred in elderly or debilitated patients. Additionally,
patients with advanced liver disease and/or coagulopathy are at increased risk
for GI bleeding.
Strategies To Minimize The GI Risks In NSAID-treated
Patients
- Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible
duration.
- Avoid administration of more than one NSAID at a time.
- Avoid use in patients at higher risk unless benefits are
expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding. For such patients, as well
as those with active GI bleeding, consider alternate therapies other than
NSAIDs.
- Remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and
bleeding during NSAID therapy.
- If a serious GI adverse event is suspected, promptly
initiate evaluation and treatment, and discontinue MOBIC until a serious GI
adverse event is ruled out.
- In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for
cardiac prophylaxis, monitor patients more closely for evidence of GI bleeding
[see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Hepatotoxicity
Elevations of ALT or AST (three or more times the upper
limit of normal [ULN]) have been reported in approximately 1% of NSAID-treated
patients in clinical trials. In addition, rare, sometimes fatal, cases of
severe hepatic injury, including fulminant hepatitis, liver necrosis, and
hepatic failure have been reported.
Elevations of ALT or AST (less than three times ULN) may
occur in up to 15% of patients treated with NSAIDs including meloxicam.
Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of
hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, pruritus, jaundice,
right upper quadrant tenderness, and “flu-like” symptoms). If
clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if
systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.), discontinue
MOBIC immediately, and perform a clinical evaluation of the patient [see Use
in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hypertension
NSAIDs, including MOBIC, can lead to new onset or
worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the
increased incidence of CV events. Patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, or loop diuretics may have impaired
response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Monitor blood pressure (BP) during the initiation of
NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.
Heart Failure And Edema
The Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists' Collaboration
meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated an approximately
two-fold increase in hospitalizations for heart failure in COX-2 selective-treated
patients and nonselective NSAID-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients.
In a Danish National Registry study of patients with heart failure, NSAID use
increased the risk of MI, hospitalization for heart failure, and death.
Additionally, fluid retention and edema have been
observed in some patients treated with NSAIDs. Use of meloxicam may blunt the
CV effects of several therapeutic agents used to treat these medical conditions
(e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]) [see
DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Avoid the use of MOBIC in patients with severe heart
failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening
heart failure. If MOBIC is used in patients with severe heart failure, monitor
patients for signs of worsening heart failure.
Renal Toxicity And Hyperkalemia
Renal Toxicity
Long-term administration of NSAIDs, including MOBIC, has
resulted in renal papillary necrosis, renal insufficiency, acute renal failure,
and other renal injury.
Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom
renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal
perfusion. In these patients, administration of an NSAID may cause a
dosedependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal
blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at
greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function,
dehydration, hypovolemia, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking
diuretics and ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID
therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.
The renal effects of MOBIC may hasten the progression of
renal dysfunction in patients with preexisting renal disease. Because some
MOBIC metabolites are excreted by the kidney, monitor patients for signs of
worsening renal function.
Correct volume status in dehydrated or hypovolemic
patients prior to initiating MOBIC. Monitor renal function in patients with
renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia during use
of MOBIC [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
No information is available from controlled clinical
studies regarding the use of MOBIC in patients with advanced renal disease.
Avoid the use of MOBIC in patients with advanced renal disease unless the benefits
are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening renal function. If MOBIC is used
in patients with advanced renal disease, monitor patients for signs of
worsening renal function [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hyperkalemia
Increases in serum potassium concentration, including
hyperkalemia, have been reported with use of NSAIDs, even in some patients
without renal impairment. In patients with normal renal function, these effects
have been attributed to a hyporeninemic-hypoaldosteronism state.
Anaphylactic Reactions
Meloxicam has been associated with anaphylactic reactions
in patients with and without known hypersensitivity to meloxicam and in
patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Exacerbation Of Asthma Related To Aspirin Sensitivity].
Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
Exacerbation Of Asthma Related To Aspirin Sensitivity
A subpopulation of patients with asthma may have
aspirin-sensitive asthma which may include chronic rhinosinusitis complicated
by nasal polyps; severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm; and/or intolerance to aspirin
and other NSAIDs. Because cross-reactivity between aspirin and other NSAIDs has
been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, MOBIC is contraindicated in
patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
When MOBIC is used in patients with preexisting asthma (without known aspirin
sensitivity), monitor patients for changes in the signs and symptoms of asthma.
Serious Skin Reactions
NSAIDs, including meloxicam, can cause serious skin
adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
(SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious
events may occur without warning. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms
of serious skin reactions, and to discontinue the use of MOBIC at the first
appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. MOBIC is
contraindicated in patients with previous serious skin reactions to NSAIDs [see
CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Premature Closure Of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus
Meloxicam may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus
arteriosus. Avoid use of NSAIDs, including MOBIC, in pregnant women starting at
30 weeks of gestation (third trimester) [see Use in Specific Populations].
Hematologic Toxicity
Anemia has occurred in NSAID-treated patients. This may
be due to occult or gross blood loss, fluid retention, or an incompletely
described effect on erythropoiesis. If a patient treated with MOBIC has any
signs or symptoms of anemia, monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit.
NSAIDs, including MOBIC, may increase the risk of
bleeding events. Co-morbid conditions such as coagulation disorders or
concomitant use of warfarin, other anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin),
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors (SNRIs) may increase this risk. Monitor these patients for signs of
bleeding [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Masking Of Inflammation And Fever
The pharmacological activity of MOBIC in reducing
inflammation, and possibly fever, may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs
in detecting infections.
Laboratory Monitoring
Because serious GI bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and renal
injury can occur without warning symptoms or signs, consider monitoring
patients on long-term NSAID treatment with a CBC and a chemistry profile periodically.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (Medication Guide) that accompanies each prescription dispensed.
Inform patients, families or their caregivers of the
following information before initiating therapy with an NSAID and periodically
during the course of ongoing therapy.
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of
cardiovascular thrombotic events, including chest pain, shortness of breath,
weakness, or slurring of speech, and to report any of these symptoms to their healthcare
provider immediately [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation
Advise patients to report symptoms of ulcerations and
bleeding, including epigastric pain, dyspepsia, melena, and hematemesis to
their healthcare provider. In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin
for cardiac prophylaxis, inform patients of the increased risk for the signs
and symptoms of GI bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hepatotoxicity
Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of
hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, pruritus, jaundice,
right upper quadrant tenderness, and “flulike”
symptoms). If these occur, instruct patients to stop MOBIC and seek immediate
medical therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Heart Failure And Edema
Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of
congestive heart failure including shortness of breath, unexplained weight
gain, or edema and to contact their healthcare provider if such symptoms occur
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Anaphylactic Reactions
Inform patients of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction
(e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). Instruct patients
to seek immediate emergency help if these occur [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Serious Skin Reactions
Advise patients to stop MOBIC immediately if they develop
any type of rash and to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Female Fertility
Advise females of reproductive potential who desire
pregnancy that NSAIDs, including MOBIC, may be associated with a reversible
delay in ovulation [see Use in Specific Populations].
Fetal Toxicity
Inform pregnant women to avoid use of MOBIC and other
NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks gestation because of the risk of the premature
closing of the fetal ductus arteriosus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and
Use in Specific Populations].
Avoid Concomitant Use Of NSAIDs
Inform patients that the concomitant use of MOBIC with
other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) is not recommended
due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity, and little or no increase
in efficacy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Alert patients that NSAIDs may be present in “over the counter” medications for
treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia.
Use Of NSAIDs And Low-Dose Aspirin
Inform patients not to use low-dose aspirin concomitantly
with MOBIC until they talk to their healthcare provider [see DRUG
INTERACTIONS].
For current prescribing information, scan the code below
or call Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or TTY
1-800-459-9906.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
There was no increase in tumor incidence in long-term
carcinogenicity studies in rats (104 weeks) and mice (99 weeks) administered
meloxicam at oral doses up to 0.8 mg/kg/day in rats and up to 8.0 mg/kg/day in
mice (up to 0.5- and 2.6-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human
dose [MRHD] of 15 mg/day MOBIC based on body surface area [BSA] comparison).
Mutagenesis
Meloxicam was not mutagenic in an Ames assay, or
clastogenic in a chromosome aberration assay with human lymphocytes and an in
vivo micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow.
Impairment Of Fertility
Meloxicam did not impair male and female fertility in
rats at oral doses up to 9 mg/kg/day in males and 5 mg/kg/day in females (up to
5.8- and 3.2-times greater, respectively, than the MRHD based on BSA comparison).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Use of NSAIDs, including MOBIC, during the third
trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal
ductus arteriosus. Avoid use of NSAIDs, including MOBIC, in pregnant women
starting at 30 weeks of gestation (third trimester) [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of
MOBIC in pregnant women. Data from observational studies regarding potential
embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of
pregnancy are inconclusive. In the general U.S. population, all clinically recognized
pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, have a background rate of 2-4% for
major malformations, and 15-20% for pregnancy loss.
In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal death was
observed in rats and rabbits treated during the period of organogenesis with
meloxicam at oral doses equivalent to 0.65- and 6.5-times the maximum recommended
human dose (MRHD) of MOBIC. Increased incidence of septal heart defects were observed
in rabbits treated throughout embryogenesis with meloxicam at an oral dose
equivalent to 78- times the MRHD. In pre- and post-natal reproduction studies,
there was an increased incidence of dystocia, delayed parturition, and
decreased offspring survival at 0.08-times MRHD of meloxicam. No teratogenic
effects were observed in rats and rabbits treated with meloxicam during
organogenesis at an oral dose equivalent to 2.6 and 26-times the MRHD [see Data].
Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to
have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst
implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin
synthesis inhibitors, such as meloxicam, resulted in increased pre- and
post-implantation loss.
Clinical Considerations
Labor or Delivery
There are no studies on the effects of MOBIC during labor
or delivery. In animal studies, NSAIDs, including meloxicam, inhibit
prostaglandin synthesis, cause delayed parturition, and increase the incidence
of stillbirth.
Data
Animal Data
Meloxicam was not teratogenic when administered to
pregnant rats during fetal organogenesis at oral doses up to 4 mg/kg/day
(2.6-fold greater than the MRHD of 15 mg of MOBIC based on BSA comparison).
Administration of meloxicam to pregnant rabbits throughout embryogenesis
produced an increased incidence of septal defects of the heart at an oral dose
of 60 mg/kg/day (78-fold greater than the MRHD based on BSA comparison). The no
effect level was 20 mg/kg/day (26-fold greater than the MRHD based on BSA
conversion). In rats and rabbits, embryolethality occurred at oral meloxicam doses
of 1 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively (0.65- and 6.5-fold greater,
respectively, than the MRHD based on BSA comparison) when administered
throughout organogenesis.
Oral administration of meloxicam to pregnant rats during
late gestation through lactation increased the incidence of dystocia, delayed
parturition, and decreased offspring survival at meloxicam doses of 0.125
mg/kg/day or greater (0.08-times MRHD based on BSA comparison).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no human data available on whether meloxicam is
present in human milk, or on the effects on breastfed infants, or on milk
production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be
considered along with the mother's clinical need for MOBIC and any potential
adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the MOBIC or from the underlying
maternal condition.
Data
Animal Data
Meloxicam was present in the milk of lactating rats at
concentrations higher than those in plasma.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Infertility
Females
Based on the mechanism of action, the use of
prostaglandin-mediated NSAIDs, including MOBIC, may delay or prevent rupture of
ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some
women. Published animal studies have shown that administration of prostaglandin
synthesis inhibitors has the potential to disrupt prostaglandin-mediated
follicular rupture required for ovulation. Small studies in women treated with
NSAIDs have also shown a reversible delay in ovulation. Consider withdrawal of
NSAIDs, including MOBIC, in women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing
investigation of infertility.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of meloxicam in pediatric
JRA patients from 2 to 17 years of age has been evaluated in three clinical
trials [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical
Studies].
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients, compared to younger patients, are at
greater risk for NSAID-associated serious cardiovascular, gastrointestinal,
and/or renal adverse reactions. If the anticipated benefit for the elderly patient
outweighs these potential risks, start dosing at the low end of the dosing
range, and monitor patients for adverse effects [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Hepatic Impairment
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to
moderate hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment have not
been adequately studied. Since meloxicam is significantly metabolized in the
liver and hepatotoxicity may occur, use meloxicam with caution in patients with
hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].
Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to
moderate renal impairment. Patients with severe renal impairment have not been
studied. The use of MOBIC in subjects with severe renal impairment is not
recommended. In patients on hemodialysis, meloxicam should not exceed 7.5 mg
per day. Meloxicam is not dialyzable [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].