Drug interactions
Etoricoxib + Meloxicam
Severity: Major
Etoricoxib and Meloxicam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Taking two NSAIDs together is therapeutic duplication. It raises the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding, acute kidney injury, fluid retention, hypertension, and cardiovascular thrombotic events without adding analgesic benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etoricoxib and Meloxicam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Etoricoxib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic. Both drugs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-2 preferential and COX-2 selective, respectively), so their GI, renal, and cardiovascular toxicities are additive.
What to do
Avoid concomitant use. Choose a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Etoricoxib and Meloxicam, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam Major
Other interactions of Etoricoxib
- Etoricoxib + Venlafaxine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etoricoxib with Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etoricoxib and Meloxicam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Taking two NSAIDs together is therapeutic duplication. It raises the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding, acute kidney injury, fluid retention, hypertension, and cardiovascular thrombotic events without adding analgesic benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Etoricoxib and Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concomitant use. Choose a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
What other medicines interact with Meloxicam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meloxicam with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meloxicam page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
