Meloxicam | The Contraceptive Pipeline Database

Product Overview

Description: A non-hormonal emergency contraceptive option. It is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that blocks ovulation. Dosing is 30 mg for 5 days. Meloxicam is marketed as a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agent used for pain.

Updated date: May 30, 2018

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Product Details

Duration: 5 days

Dose: 30 mg (per day)

Status

Status Details:
A Phase II trial (led by CONRAD) in Santiago, Chile tested the safety and efficacy of 2 different doses of meloxicam, 15 mg and 30 mg, taken daily for 5 days for the prevention of ovulation. Findings indicate that the 30 mg dose is safe and effective and may offer an alternative to hormonal emergency contraception.

Programmatic Considerations

Considerations:
Meloxicam may have a broader window of effectiveness and fewer side effects than current emergency contraceptive methods.

COX-2 inhibitors are accessible over-the-counter in many countries. Potential to also use as a form of monthly oral contraceptive.

Additional Information

Additional Information:
McCann NC, et al. (2013) The COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam prevents pregnancy when administered as an emergency contraceptive to nonhuman primates. Contraception. 88(6):744-8.

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