Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that requires a comprehensive approach and long-term pharmacological management. It usually requires pain relievers, disease-modifying medications, and nutraceuticals. NSAIDs are widely used to provide symptomatic relief, but their use is not without adverse effects. Meloxicam, a derivative of oxicam, is an NSAID, widely used in Latin America.

At the recommended dose, meloxicam exerts a preferential effect on COX-2, thanks to this characteristic its safety and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability is better than that of classic NSAIDs. Clinical studies have shown that meloxicam is as effective as diclofenac, piroxicam, and naproxen, but as an advantage produces fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects.