Meloxicam alternatives: what to try when meloxicam isn’t right

Sick of stomach upset or worried about long-term meloxicam use? You’ve got options. Meloxicam is an NSAID used for pain and inflammation, but other drugs and therapies can work just as well for certain problems — sometimes with fewer side effects for your situation.

Other oral NSAIDs and what to expect

Ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common over-the-counter swaps. Ibuprofen is often taken as 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed; naproxen commonly comes as 220 mg every 8–12 hours. Both reduce inflammation and pain but can still irritate the stomach and affect kidneys, so use the lowest effective dose and follow the label.

Diclofenac is another anti-inflammatory that can be stronger for joint pain but carries similar risks to other NSAIDs. Celecoxib (a COX-2 inhibitor) tends to be easier on the stomach for some people, though it may carry higher cardiovascular risk in certain patients. If you take blood thinners, have heart disease, ulcers, or kidney issues, talk to your doctor before switching.

Topical options and non-drug approaches

Topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel or patches target the joint or muscle without high blood levels, which lowers stomach and systemic risks. Apply as directed to the painful area — useful for knee, hand, or localized joint pain.

If pills aren’t a fit, acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help with pain but won’t reduce inflammation. Physical therapy, targeted exercise, weight loss, heat/cold, braces, and joint-support devices often reduce pain and cut down the need for meds. For flare-ups, a corticosteroid injection into a joint can give weeks to months of relief under medical supervision.

For chronic pain that’s not just inflammation, options like duloxetine or certain nerve medications might help. Alternative therapies — acupuncture, targeted strengthening, and manual therapy — work well for many people and carry little medical risk when done correctly.

Quick safety checklist: avoid NSAIDs if you’re pregnant (especially late pregnancy), have active stomach ulcers, serious kidney disease, or take strong blood thinners unless your doctor approves. Always check interactions with blood pressure meds, heart drugs, and blood thinners. If you have heart disease or risk factors, ask your clinician about the cardiovascular risks of each option.

Bottom line: there’s no single “best” substitute for meloxicam. Pick an option based on your pain type, other health issues, and how long you need relief. Talk with a clinician — they can match you to a safer NSAID, suggest topical therapy, or set up a non-drug plan that lowers med use and keeps you moving.