Compare naproxen vs. meloxicam

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

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Aleve (naproxen)

Prescription or OTC

Mobic (meloxicam)

Prescription only
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.

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

●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 978 reviewsfornaproxen
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
Upsides
  • 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.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$17.93
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Lowest price
$868.20
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Reviews
978 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Aleve (naproxen)?

Leave a review
141 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
54%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Mobic (meloxicam)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Aleve (naproxen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
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 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
  • 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
Learn more about Aleve (naproxen)
Learn more about Mobic (meloxicam)