FORMULA:
Each Melbek Tablet contains 7.5 mg meloxicam.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES:
Meloxicam is an nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug which belongs to enolic acid class and has the following properties that has been proven in animal studies : antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipiretic. This favourable and enhanced drug confidence profile probably depends on the selective inhibition of COX-2 rather than COX-1 by meloxicam. Scientific proofs about NSAIDs gradually increase in number which support the relation between the inhibition of COX-2 and therapeutic efficacy; also on the other hand between the inhibition of COX-1 and side effects on stomach and kidney. Metabolites are excreted via urine and defecation which is in an equlibrium in amount. Elimination half-life of meloxicam is approximately 20 hours. The pharmacokinetic facts of meloxicam are mainly unchanged in patients who suffer hepatic insufficiency and also mild to moderate renal insufficiency.

INDICATIONS:
Melbek is indicated as listed below:

• Symptomatic relief of rheumatoid arthritis
• Symptomatic relief of aching osteoarthritis (arthrosis, degenerative joint disease)
• Symptomatic relief of ankylosing spondylitis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
In patients who have known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or any other ingredients of the drug is contraindicated. Cross-reaction may occur in patients who are previously sensitivity to acetylsalicylate or other NSAIDs. So, patients who showed asthmatic symptoms, nasal polyps, angioedema or urticarial reactions to any kind of NSAIDs previously SHOULD NOT use Melbek.
Also, Melbek is restricted to patients who concomitantly have or suffer conditions listed below:

• Active peptic ulceration.
• Serious hepatic insufficiency.
• Serious renal insufficiency that does not necessitate haemodialysis.
• Children and adolescents below 15 years of age.
• Pregnant and nursing women.

DOSAGE and ADMINISTRATION:
Rheumatoid arthritis:15 mg daily. According to the therapeutic response it may be given 7.5 mg/day.
Osteoarthritis: 7.5 mg daily. In case of necessity, it may be given 15 mg/day.
Ankylosing spondylitis: 15 mg daily.
In patients with high risk of adverse events: Treatment should always be initiated with 7.5 mg daily dosage regimen.
In patients with serious renal insufficiency: Daily dosage should not exceed 7.5 mg.
In all painful conditions physicians should adjust dosage; only but maximum daily dosage of Melbek® is 15 mg.
As the usual dosage for children has not been clarified; this drug is for elder use only.
Tablets should be taken with water or another fluid in meals.

HOW SUPPLIED:
Melbek Tablets: In blister packages of 10 and 30 tablets.
Melbek Fort Tablets: In blister packages of 10 and 30 tablets.