Background and objective: No sufficient research has focused on the relationship between meloxicam use and acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to explore this issue in Taiwan.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: Current use of meloxicam is associated with increased odds of acute pancreatitis. Clinicians should consider the potential risk of acute pancreatitis when prescribing meloxicam.