Association of Meloxicam Use with the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Case-Control Study

No sufficient research has focused on the relationship between meloxicam use and acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to explore this issue in Taiwan.

This case-control study was conducted using the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. In all, there were 6780 cases aged 20-84 years who were newly diagnosed with acute pancreatitis during the period 1998-2011, and 21,393 control subjects without acute pancreatitis. Cases and controls were matched for sex, age and comorbidities. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured to explore the associations between acute pancreatitis, meloxicam use and comorbidities, using a multivariable unconditional logistic regression model.

After controlling for potential confounding factors, the adjusted OR for acute pancreatitis was 1.76 (95% CI 1.30-2.40) for subjects with current use of meloxicam, in comparison with subjects who had never used meloxicam. The adjusted OR decreased to 1.29 (95% CI 0.82-2.03) for subjects with late use of meloxicam, but without statistical significance.

Current use of meloxicam is associated with increased odds of acute pancreatitis. Clinicians should consider the potential risk of acute pancreatitis when prescribing meloxicam.