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Pregnancy: Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/foetal development. Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation and gastroschisis after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1% up to approximately 1.5%. The risk is believed to increase with dose and duration of therapy. In animals, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor has been shown to result in increased pre- and post-implantation loss and embryo-foetal lethality. In addition, increased incidences of various malformations, including cardiovascular, have been reported in animals given a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor during the organogenetic period. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, meloxicam should not be given unless clearly necessary. If meloxicam is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, all prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may expose the foetus to: Cardiopulmonary toxicity (with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension); Renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligohydroamniosis.
The mother and the neonate, at the end of pregnancy, to: Possible prolongation of bleeding time, an anti-aggregating effect which may occur even at very low doses; Inhibition of uterine contractions resulting in delayed or prolonged labour.
Consequently, meloxicam is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation: While no specific experience exists for meloxicam, NSAIDs are known to pass into mother's milk. Administration therefore is not recommended in women who are breastfeeding.
