Home Page > Categories > Pain Relief > Piroxicam

Piroxicam

 

Piroxicam (generic Feldene) Review

brand name: Feldene
generic names: Piroxicam, Piroxicam betadex

How does it work?

Feldene gel contains the active ingredient piroxicam, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Piroxicam gel is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Piroxicam works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Piroxicam blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

When piroxicam is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area.

Feldene gel is used to relieve local pain and inflammation caused by a variety of muscle, joint, tendon and ligament conditions or injuries, for example osteoarthritis of superficial joints such as the knee, tendon inflammation (tendinitis), sprains, strains or tennis elbow.

The gel should be rubbed gently into the skin over the affected area. The piroxicam will be absorbed into the underlying tissues, where it will relieve pain and inflammation.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•anemia
•asthma, foods, other medicines, aspirin or other salicylates, other NSAIDs, or leg edema (fluid retention)
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•stomach or duodenal ulcers
•history of stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus
•ulcerative colitis
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Piroxicam, history of blood clots, history of heart attack, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
•bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
•cigarette smoker
•coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
•diabetes
•drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
•heart or circulation problems like angina, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Most important fact about Feldene

In a few patients on long-term therapy, Feldene can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Warning signs include severe abdominal or stomach cramps, pain or burning in the stomach, and black, tarry stools. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

Why should Piroxicam (Feldene) not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Feldene, aspirin, or similar drugs, or if you have had asthma attacks caused by aspirin or other drugs of this type, you should not take Piroxicam (Feldene). If you develop breathing difficulties or allergic symptoms after taking Feldene, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Not to be used in

• Feldene gel is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
  
  
• People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, itchy rash (urticaria), asthma attacks, tongue and throat (angioedema)
  
  

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

What side effects may I notice from taking Piroxicam?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of bleeding - bruising, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
•blurred vision
•change in the amount of urine passed
•difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•stomach pain or cramps
•swelling of feet or ankles
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea or constipation
•dizziness, drowsiness
•gas or heartburn
•headache
•nausea, or itching, hives, blistering or peeling skin, redness, skin rash, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
•signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, unusual tiredness or weakness, blood in the urine, black tarry stools, red spots on the skin, vomiting