Drug Name

Feldene (Piroxicam)

Drug Uses

Feldene is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

How Taken

The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily or 10 mg twice daily. Feldene should be taken with food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Feldene is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. NSAIDs, including feldene, block the enzyme in the body that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for causing many types of pain, fever and inflammation. As a consequence of taking NSAIDs, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved Feldene in 1982.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

This medicine increases your risk of serious stomach or bowel problems (such as ulcers and bleeding). This risk is increased if you are elderly or are in poor health, if you have a history of smoking or drinking alcohol, if you take corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) or "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), or if you take this medicine for a long period of time. This medicine may also increase your risk for certain serious heart and blood vessel problems (such as heart attack and stroke). Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the lowest possible dose for the shortest time needed. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for further information. Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or any medicine, containing aspirin, or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Daypro). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, liver function tests, and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects, especially if you are taking this medicine for a long period of time. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine, unless you first discuss it with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin and other non-prescription pain relievers. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially the risk of stomach or bowel effects (such as bleeding or ulcers), or kidney effects. For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Most patients benefit from Feldene and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur and generally tend to occur more frequently at higher doses. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of Feldene involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, and lightheadedness also can occur.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.