Is Meloxicam safe in ankylosing spondylitis?

Q: I am a 45 years male. Due to ankylosing spondylitis I am taking Movera 7.5 mg every day. What effect will it have in the long term as I am required to take it for a long time. Are any vitamin tablets to be taken with it?

A:Movera is the trade name of a medicine called Meloxicam. It is sold under other trade names also such as Mel-OD. Certain claims on the safety of meloxicam made while launching the drug have not been substantiated during post-marketing experience. For example it was claimed that meloxicam did not have serious adverse effects on stomach. During a two-year period, the British Government agency dealing with safety of drugs received 773 adverse reports; 41% of them related to stomach problems including 18% stomach perforations and 5 deaths. Naturally the danger is more when taken for long durations.You can take celecoxib (sold under the trade name of Zycel) 100 mg twice daily after meals. Unfortunately ankylosing spondylosis is a chronic problem and hence a person needs to take medication for prolonged periods. Another way to minimize adverse reactions is to alternate Zycel 100 mg twice daily with Mel-OD, each for 15 days.Vitamins do not change the side effects of these drugs. Anti-oxidants such as lycopene (sold under the trade name of LycoRed) may be of some help in generally improving the symptoms .