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FDA Approves Mobic (Meloxicam) For Osteoarthritis
Mobic (Meloxicam) is another treatment option for people with osteoarthritis.

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated June 05, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

This article is part of the Arthritis Archives.

Dateline: April 14, 2000

FDA Approves Mobic

Mobic (generic drug name meloxicam), was approved on April 13, 2000, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

  • Test Your Knowledge: Osteoarthritis
  • Mobic is the third new arthritis drug which has been FDA approved in the last two years. Mobic follows:

    • Celebrex (celecoxib), which was approved on December 31, 1998,
    • Vioxx (valdecoxib), which was approved on May 21, 1999.

    Though Mobic becomes a new treatment option for osteoarthritis patients in the United States, it has already been used worldwide by millions of patients.

    Clinical Trials

    Results from clinical trials involving more than 22,000 patients from the United States and other countries affirmed the safety and efficacy of Mobic. Relief from osteoarthritis symptoms and a low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects were reported by the majority of patients taking Mobic.

    The indication for use of Mobic in the United States is as a once-daily medication for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as "wear-and-tear arthritis". For the starting and maintenance dose of 7.5 mg., Mobic will be priced around $1.98 per tablet, approximately 20 percent less than Celebrex and Vioxx.

    Mobic Is Classified As A NSAID

    Mobic is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

  • The Facts Of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
  • As with any of the group of drugs known as NSAIDs, the effectiveness or potential for adverse events will vary among individuals. Mobic is not appropriate for anyone allergic to meloxicam, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Though Mobic has shown a low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, it remains possible that gastrointestinal ulcers can develop without warning.

    In the United States, the new drug will be marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories. It is expected to be available to consumers in early May.

    Related Resources

  • Mobic (Meloxicam)
  • More About NSAIDs
  • Test Your Knowledge: Arthritis Medications
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sources: FDA Approval Means Americans With Osteoarthritis Have A New Option, BusinessWire, 4/14/00; FDA Approves New Arthritis Drug, Reuters, 4/14/00; FDA Approves New Arthritis Drug, AP, 4/14/00
    First published: 4/14/2000

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