Drugs from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for complex therapy of many diseases. They help relieve or reduce the severity of symptoms of inflammation: pain, swelling, fever. These medications have fewer side effects than glucocorticosteroids and are therefore considered a better alternative.
The list of the most popular NSAIDs includes Meloxicam and Movalis. Both drugs are used for the symptomatic treatment of articular and vertebral pathologies. But patients who use these drugs do not know which is better than Meloxicam and Movalis. To find the answer to this question, you need to study the characteristics of these drugs.
Composition and dosage forms of Meloxicam and Movalis
The active ingredient in both drugs is meloxicam, the content of which in the tablet form of Movalis and Meloxicam does not exceed 15 mg. Manufacturers provide the presence of auxiliary elements, which include silicon dioxide, crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose. Based on the similarity of the compositions of the medications, we can conclude that Meloxicam is an analogue of Movalis.
In addition to tablets and capsules, medications are available in the form of injection solutions for intramuscular administration. Meloxicam and Movalis are the same medicine, so the composition of the solution is approximately the same. The basis of the medicine is meloxicam with a concentration of 10 mg. Auxiliary elements (sodium hydrochloride, glycine and sodium chloride) increase the activity of the main element.
Pharmacodynamics
In order to compare Meloxicam and Movalis, you need to know the principle of action of the drugs. The medications act in the same way, selectively inhibiting prostaglandins. With regular use, suppression of the enzymatic activity of COX (cyclooxygenase) is observed, under the influence of which arachidonic acid is converted into prostaglandin, which provokes an inflammatory process. It is impossible to say which is more effective - Movalis or Meloxicam: both drugs have the same therapeutic properties, including analgesic and sedative.
Selective prostaglandin inhibitors act as standard on all manifestations of inflammatory processes developing in the joints. The use of drugs for medicinal purposes must be carried out according to the instructions. Does not pass into breast milk and has no effect on the central nervous system.
Doctors' opinion
Any drug is prescribed for use only by the attending physician after a thorough examination. At this point, you need to take into account a lot - the course of the disease, its stage, concomitant diseases, anamnesis. A competent doctor will be able to prescribe exactly the drug for use that will not only have a therapeutic effect, but also will not cause harm. Unfortunately, this does not always happen this way, and the doctor uses certain remedies in his arsenal, prescribing them to all patients with similar diseases.
If any side effects occur, the drug taken is discontinued and another drug of similar effect is prescribed for treatment. Needless to say, some pharmaceutical companies pay extra to medical practitioners for prescribing their drugs - this is a matter for the police and regulatory authorities. You need to choose the right doctor, because an illiterate specialist will not leave a good response about himself. Only a competent, experienced doctor, who is attentive to each of his patients, will be able to prescribe an effective medicine.
NSAIDs are widely used drugs, and therefore quite a lot of experience has been accumulated in their use. Will doctors' reviews help me understand whether Movalis or Meloxicam is better? The opinions of practicing doctors are also divided. After all, they rely on the feedback of their patients, although they themselves can also be on the other side in the reception room and treat the problem of NSAIDs. Doctors in their judgments can rely on the instructions for use of drugs, because it is there that the features of a particular drug are indicated.
Main indications and applications
Meloxicam and Movalis are used to treat joint diseases due to the presence of therapeutic properties in the drugs similar to Diclofenac. Whose injections are better: Movalis or Meloxicam for diseases of the musculoskeletal system depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.
The use of medications is permitted for:
- degenerative joint diseases accompanied by pain (osteoarthritis);
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- dirsopathy;
- arthropathy;
- shoulder periarthritis.
Diseases of the motor system of a chronic nature require long-term use of Movalis or Meloxicam. Tablets and capsules of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract; the rate of absorption in this case is much lower than with intramuscular administration.
The instructions for use contain an approximate dosage regimen for one or another release form. Dosage forms intended for oral use should be taken no more than once a day. It is recommended to start treatment with half the dose, which is 7.5 mg. During an exacerbation, the daily dose can be increased to 15 mg.
Injections and suppositories are used topically for 10-14 days. The daily dose of the active substance in suppositories and solution for injection should not exceed 10 mg. Rectal or intramuscular administration of drugs is carried out at the same time, preferably before bedtime. In this case, the pain syndrome will not make itself felt at night.
Side effects
Movalis differs from Meloxicam in side effects. Rejection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by the patient's body is expressed in malaise.
Side effects of Meloxicam:
- changes in blood composition, including a decrease in the level of leukocytes and platelets;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- anaphylactic shock;
- epigastric pain;
- bowel dysfunction;
- blood pressure surges;
- retention of urine outflow.
Side effects of Movalis include:
- labored breathing;
- systematic migraine;
- renal failure;
- attacks of nausea and vomiting;
- cytopenia;
- esophagitis;
- colitis;
- hearing and vision impairment.
In women with long-term use, late ovulation and infertility are extremely rare. The use of Movalis or Meloxicam is carried out only if the patient has no contraindications.
Description of Meloxicam
This is a representative of oxicams, which has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
Meloxicam tablets are available in doses of 7.5 and 15 mg
The medicine is presented in tablets (7.5/15 mg), the main component of which is meloxicam. The dosage form is supplemented with starch 1500, MCC, E331, Aerosil 380, magnesium stearate.
The injection solution contains 15 mg of meloxicam per 1.5 ml (ampoule volume). Auxiliary components: meglumine, glycofurol, poloxamer 188, sodium chloride, glycine, sodium hydroxide, distilled water.
Rectal suppositories contain solid fat in addition to meloxicam.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is manifested by inhibition of the COX-2 isoenzyme. Meloxicam is almost completely absorbed into the blood through the walls of the stomach and intestines. After taking the tablet, the maximum content of the main component is observed after 5 - 6 hours. 50% of the main component enters the synovial fluid.
The drug is metabolized by liver enzymes. The medicine is excreted through the intestines and bladder.
Meloxicam is indicated for the treatment of the following diseases:
- Osteoarthritis;
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Other lesions of the joints, spine and surrounding tissues, accompanied by pain.
Tablets are used for short-term symptomatic treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the joints in the acute phase. This dosage form is also used for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Contraindications
The similarity of both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs lies in the same contraindications. These include:
- bronchial asthma in combination with nasal polyposis;
- ulcers in the stomach, including perforated ones;
- history of intestinal bleeding;
- acute pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
- uncontrolled heart failure;
- childbearing and lactation;
- galactose intolerance, inherited;
- age restrictions (up to 12 years).
Adjustment of the dosage regimen may be required for patients who have been diagnosed with:
- liver diseases;
- cerebrovascular diseases;
- congestive heart failure;
- diabetes mellitus of various types;
- hyperlipidemia;
- dyslipidemia.
Medications should be used with extreme caution in patients leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs increases the risk of side effects.
Simultaneous use of Meloxicam and Movalis
The instructions for use warn about the impossibility of taking two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs simultaneously; combining Meloxicam with Movalis is prohibited . The same therapeutic effects and one active substance in both medications can provoke the development of characteristic symptoms of overdose. These include:
- stomach pain;
- uncontrollable vomiting with blood;
- drowsiness;
- fainting;
- visual and auditory hallucinations;
- acute liver failure;
- stopping breathing.
Medicines do not have a specific antidote. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed, which consists of immediately taking enterosorbents (Activated carbon, Enterosgel), which accelerate the removal of toxins from the body. First aid consists of gastric lavage by ingesting a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Taking Meloxicam, Movalis and anticoagulants together is also not recommended.
Patient reviews
Anton, 35 years old, Moscow: “Doctors diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis. Previously I used Movalis for treatment. But having learned that this drug and Meloxicam are completely identical, I decided to switch to a cheaper medicine. As a supplement, the doctor prescribed Omeprazole to protect my stomach, since it also bothers me sometimes.”
Valentina, 41 years old, Voronezh: “Due to sedentary work, I often notice in the evening that my back hurts a lot, sometimes it’s even impossible to straighten up. The doctor recommended using Movalis. After taking a course of pills, I began to forget what pain was. Now I always have this drug at home in case something happens.”
Similarities of drugs
Movalis and Meloxicam have many similarities. They are:
- the same active ingredient;
- therapeutic effects;
- indications for use;
- contraindications;
- release forms.
Both medications are considered effective for musculoskeletal disorders. Medicines negatively affect the liver and its ducts, digestive organs and kidneys. Selective selective inhibitors affect not only inflammatory mediators, but also destroy beneficial prostaglandins involved in metabolism.
Meloxicam and Movalis are third generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect is more pronounced than that of representatives of NSAIDs of previous generations.
The most important
Now you know how Movalis differs from Meloxicam: additional components, bioavailability, cost, manufacturer. In other respects, these are identical drugs. It is impossible to say unequivocally which medication is better. Both drugs provide a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Judging by the reviews, Movalis injections act faster and are better tolerated than Melosicam. By the way, the latter drug often causes an increase in blood pressure. However, many patients prefer Meloxicam since its cost is lower. To reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions, it is better to purchase an Israeli-made generic, during the manufacture of which high-quality raw materials were used.
Distinctive features of Meloxicam and Movalis
The difference between Movalis and Meloxicam is the price. The price of Movalis in pharmacies fluctuates around 850 rubles, Meloxicam costs an order of magnitude cheaper, about 400 rubles. In fact, the differences lie in the presence of less aggressive auxiliary elements in the composition of the expensive drug. Movalis also has high bioavailability (more than 98%), while Meloxicam has about 72%.
Meloxicam in the Russian Federation and CIS countries is sold under a non-proprietary name, so there are a large number of counterfeits on the pharmacological market. Experts recommend purchasing medications in specialized places. Both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are foreign-made, Meloxicam is produced in Israel, Movalis is produced in Germany, by the famous pharmacological concern Boehringer.
The cost of domestic generics and structural analogues of Movalis and Meloxicam is much lower. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have several substitutes with similar therapeutic effects.
Analogs
Conditionally anti-inflammatory medications that are active against joint diseases can be divided into 2 categories. The first group includes structural substitutes, which contain an active substance similar to the original. These include:
- Mataren . Ointment for external use is used for medicinal purposes for joint diseases and inflammation of cartilage tissue. In addition to meloxicam, the cream contains hot pepper extract. The main indications for use are considered to be degenerative joint diseases accompanied by an inflammatory process;
- Amelotex . One of the analogues of the original, the product is presented in the form of an external gel and injections. It is a non-steroidal drug that has an analgesic, cooling and calming effect;
- Melbek . Non-steroidal medication, selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, oxicam derivative of enoline.. Used for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism and polyarthritis.
Generics include:
- Diclofenac . The main element is diclofenac sodium. Available in the form of an injection solution in ampoules. The main indications for use are diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Xefocam . Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a pronounced analgesic effect. Injection solutions are administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
The use of an analogue does not exclude the development of side effects in the patient’s body.
