Mobic

Mobic is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that is used to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is known to treat swelling, inflammation, stiffness and joint pain. Mobic was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is similar to naproxen or ibuprofen. When the FDA banned Vioxx, Mobic became the number one prescribed painkiller in the US market. In 2006, Mobic sales were predicted to exceed $1 billion. Mobic has been prescribed to children as young as two years old.

Mobic and other NSAIDs have been linked to liver damage, which is recognizable through symptoms such as yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, fatigue, nausea and more. NSAIDs have also been linked to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke, and skin conditions like Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Serious side effects may include:

• Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Urinating less than usual or not at all
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• Severe skin reaction, such as fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Less serious Mobic side effects may include:

• Upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, gas
• Dizziness, nervousness, headache
• Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• Mild skin rash