Feldene is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (inflammation and pain).
The usual prescribed dose of Feldene is 10 mg twice a day or 20 mg once a day. Take this medicine with food.
Piroxicam belongs to a group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are non-narcotic relievers of mild and moderate pain caused by injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders and are effective against inflammation, pain and fever.
Feldene and other NSAIDs block the enzyme that produces prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase) responsible for causing inflammation, pain and fever. NSAIDs lower the levels of prostaglandins and thus reduce inflammation, pain and fever.
Piroxicam was approved by the FDA in 1982.
Take Feldene in the shortest time possible in case you miss your dose. Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take 2 doses at once.
Store Feldene at room temperature protected from light and heat; do not store this medicine in damp places (bathroom).
Feldene Safety information
Feldene raises the danger of serious bowel and stomach problems and may cause ulcers and bleeding. This risk is higher for elderly persons, in those in poor health or having history of smoking or drinking alcohol. You may also be at greater risk while using Feldene if you take anticoagulants (e.g. as warfarin) or corticosteroid medicines (e.g. prednisone). Long-term Feldene therapy also raises your risk. Feldene may also increase the danger of some blood vessel and heart disorders (e.g. heart attack and stroke). Take Feldene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is advisable to use the lowest possible dose and for the shortest amount of time.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on Feldene. Feldene can cause a severe reaction including a rash, hives and dizziness or breathing difficulties. You should avoid taking Feldene if you are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Feldene, Naprosyn, Motrin, Daypro, etc.) or to aspirin, or medicines containing aspirin. You should also contact your doctor or pharmacist to learn whether you are allergic to Feldene or if a certain medicine belongs to NSAIDs. You should immediately let your doctor know if you suffer from tightness of chest, swelling of face, eyelids, or lips, if you develop hives or a rash or experience difficulty breathing. Do not exceed your dose of this medicine unless your doctor prescribes to do so. Certain laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to control your progress. These may include blood tests, liver and kidney function tests. Laboratory tests may also be performed to check for side effects if you are taking Feldene for a long time. You should keep all laboratory test results and your doctor’s appointments while you are taking Feldene. Do not operate machinery or drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know your reaction to this medicine since Feldene may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Feldene may also cause hypersensitivity to the sun, so avoid sun or sunlamps exposure until you know your reaction to this medicine. You should use protective clothing or sunscreens if you have to be outside for a long period of time. You should not drink alcohol while taking Feldene unless you first discuss the possible consequences of alcohol ingestion with your doctor. Check with your doctor (pharmacist) before you start taking any new medicine, no matter prescribed or available without a prescription (such as aspirin and other over-the-counter alleviants). The elderly are advised to use this medicine with caution since they are more sensitive to Feldene’s side effects; such persons are particularly at the risk of bowel or stomach effects (e.g. ulcers or bleeding), or kidney effects. Feldene is harmful to the human fetus. If you plan to become pregnant you should not take this medicine without first discussing its risks and benefits with your doctor. There is no data proving that this medicine passes into the breast milk. You should discuss the risks to the baby with your doctor or pharmacist if you are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed while taking Feldene.
Feldene Side effects
Feldene and other NSAIDs relieve most patients with few side effects. However, overdosage can result and generally tends to result in serious side effects. To minimize side effects it is advisable to take the lowest effective dose (better suggested by your doctor). Most often Feldene affects the gastrointestinal system causing abdominal pain, ulcerations, cramping, nausea, gastritis. Sometimes side effects are as serious as liver toxicity and gastrointestinal bleeding. But since stomach bleeding and ulceration are not always accompanied by abdominal pain, black tarry stools, dizziness upon standing and weakness may be the only symptoms of internal bleeding. Such symptoms as kidney disorder, tinnitus, dizziness and rash also can occur.
This medicine should not be used for other health conditions or shared with others for whom it was not prescribed by the doctor. Piroxicam should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
You should get refills before your supply runs out if you have to use this medicine for a prolonged period of time.
