Does Meloxicam cause blood thinning? 

Does Meloxicam cause blood thinning? 

Meloxicam can cause blood thinning, as it’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Most NSAIDs block Cyclooxygenase pathways to relieve pain and inflammation, which can also affect your body’s ability to clot blood and overall platelet aggregation. 

This is why most NSAIDs are associated with blood thinning. However, Meloxicam is still believed to cause less intense effects on your blood thinning ability as compared to other typical NSAIDs, like Aspirin – which is most commonly associated with blood thinning compared to other NSAIDs like Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc. 

Studies on Meloxicam and blood thinning

Several research studies have indicated that Meloxicam, unlike typical NSAIDs, does not cause significant blood thinning at therapeutic doses. In several clinical trials, Meloxicam did not increase the bleeding time as much as other NSAIDs generally do. 

Some studies even compared Meloxicam with other NSAIDs like Indomethacin, and Meloxicam managed to cause lesser blood thinning in comparison (1). 

However, we can’t ignore the fact that Meloxicam does cause blood thinning to some extent and it should be used cautiously in people with bleeding disorders. 

Precautions when taking Meloxicam with other blood-thinning medications

Meloxicam should not be paired with other medications that can increase the bleeding time, like anticoagulants. Although Meloxicam may not cause any damage if used alone, using it with other blood thinners can affect your body’s ability to clot blood significantly. 

The dose you’re currently taking can also make a difference. So make sure you don’t use Meloxicam along with blood thinners without your doctor’s approval. If your doctor has prescribed this combination for some reason, he/she would have adjusted the doses. 

It is also not recommended to take them at the same time, as having high concentrations of both of these meds in your body at the same time can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. 

Consult your doctor before taking Meloxicam if you have blood thinning concerns

It is best for someone with a bleeding disorder to take Meloxicam only if prescribed by their doctor. In usual clinical practice, Meloxicam can easily be replaced by other medications if you have a blood thinning concern or if you’re currently taking blood thinners. 

Meloxicam is not the only painkiller left for you to take. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate painkiller according to your condition. 

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References

1.-

Rinder HM, Tracey JB, Souhrada M, Wang C, Gagnier RP, Wood CC. Effects of meloxicam on platelet function in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Aug;42(8):881-6. doi: 10.1177/009127002401102795. PMID: 12162470. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12162470/

2.-

National Library of Medicine. Meloxicam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022 [cited 2023 Mar 7]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html.