Compare meloxicam vs. naproxen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Mobic (meloxicam)

Prescription only

Aleve (naproxen)

Prescription or OTC
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Mobic (meloxicam) works well for pain and inflammation and you only take it once a day, but you need a prescription.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 141 reviewsformeloxicam
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.

Aleve (naproxen) works well for treating mild to moderate pain or inflammation, and lasts longer than other NSAIDs.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 978 reviewsfornaproxen
Upsides
  • Taken only once a day, while other NSAIDS need to be taken a few times a day for the same effect.
  • Works well to relieve pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Causes less stomach upset than other NSAIDs.
  • Relatively cheap compared to other prescription NSAIDS.
  • Aleve (naproxen) is good for relieving pain from common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, and arthritis.
  • It lasts longer than other NSAIDS so you don't have to take it as often.
  • Aleve (naproxen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Aleve (naproxen) causes fewer stomach problems than its alternatives.
Downsides
  • Mobic (meloxicam) does not kick in as fast as other NSAIDS.
  • It's available by prescription only.
  • Mobic (meloxicam) is not as safe as other alternatives for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
  • It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long time.
  • Aleve (naproxen) needs to be taken with food or millk to lower the chances of upset stomach.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) is as not safe for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
  • It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$291.71
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Lowest price
$40.03
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Reviews
141 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
54%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Mobic (meloxicam)?

Leave a review
978 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Aleve (naproxen)?

Leave a review
Side effects
15possible side effects
  • Indigestion
    10%
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    8%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Urinary tract infection
    7%
  • Pain
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    3%
  • Constipation
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Gas
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Anemia
    3%
  • Swelling
    2%
  • Insomnia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Aleve (naproxen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Smoking
    • Taking the medicine for a long time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Asthma
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • Heart failure
    • Liver disease
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcer
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Smoking
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Asthma
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • Heart failure
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Mobic (meloxicam)
Learn more about Aleve (naproxen)