Two medicines, side by side
Meloxicam vs diclofenac
Meloxicam and diclofenac are both labeled for pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of meloxicam since 2000 and of diclofenac since 1988. Pharmacies paid $0.0166 per meloxicam 7.5 mg tablet and $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the meloxicam FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 29, 2026); the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025).
Highlights of the meloxicam record
Meloxicam (Mobic) · label of January 29, 2026
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Used for
From the label: indicationsINDICATIONS AND USAGE Meloxicam tablets are a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: Osteoarthritis (OA) (1.1) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) (1.2) Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in patients who weigh ≥60 kg (1.3) 1.1 Osteoarthritis (OA) Meloxicam tablets are indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. 1.2 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Meloxicam tablets […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 13, 2000
- Generic labelers
- 43 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0166 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 3
Highlights of the diclofenac record
Diclofenac (Voltaren) · label of February 11, 2025
Used for
From the label: indications• for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: o hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) o foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) • this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 28, 1988
- Generic labelers
- 149 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0619 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 6
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Meloxicam label of January 29, 2026, Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do meloxicam and diclofenac differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: meloxicam since 2006; diclofenac since 1995 (Drugs@FDA).
| Meloxicam | Diclofenac | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | Meloxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of meloxicam, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | The mean elimination half-life (t 1/2 ) ranges from 15 hours to 20 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | April 13, 2000 | July 28, 1988 |
| First generic approved | July 19, 2006 | June 29, 1995 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 43 labelers | 149 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0166 per tablet (Meloxicam 7.5 mg tablet) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +0.8% | -25% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 3 | 6 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 57,757 | 158,675 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Diclofenac label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to meloxicam
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions