Feldene

Feldene

     * Generic Name: piroxicam
     * Brand Name: Feldene


     * What is piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * What are the possible side effects of piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * How should I take piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Feldene)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Feldene)?
     * What should I avoid while taking piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * What other drugs will affect piroxicam (Feldene)?
     * Where can I get more information (Feldene)?

What is piroxicam (Feldene)?

   Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
   This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain
   and inflammation.

   Piroxicam is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by
   osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

   Piroxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of piroxicam (Feldene)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or
   stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden
   numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech,
   feeling short of breath.

   Stop using piroxicam and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * changes in your vision;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * abnormal liver function tests;
     * urination problems;
     * upset stomach, heartburn, loss of appetite, stomach pain,
       nausea, vomiting;
     * gas, diarrhea, constipation;
     * dizziness, headache;
     * itching, rash; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about piroxicam
(Feldene)?

   Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Piroxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   piroxicam, especially in older adults.

   Feldene Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking piroxicam
(Feldene)?

   You should not use piroxicam if you are allergic to it, or if you have
   ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking
   aspirin or an NSAID.

   Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Piroxicam may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   piroxicam, especially in older adults.

   To make sure piroxicam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * liver or kidney disease; or
     * fluid retention.

   Taking piroxicam during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the
   unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

   Ovulation (release of an egg from your ovary) could be delayed
   while you are taking piroxicam. This effect is usually not permanent.
   You should not take piroxicam while you are trying to get pregnant.

   Piroxicam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Piroxicam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take piroxicam (Feldene)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than
   recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your
   condition.

   It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the
   medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
   tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Feldene Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Feldene)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Feldene)?

   Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of
   this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach
   pain, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

What should I avoid while taking piroxicam (Feldene)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking piroxicam.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain
   medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or
   other medicines similar to piroxicam. Taking certain products together
   can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the
   label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen,
   or naproxen.

What other drugs will affect piroxicam (Feldene)?

   Ask your doctor before using piroxicam if you take an antidepressant
   such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac),
   fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use piroxicam if
   you are also using any of the following drugs:
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or
       "water pill"; or
     * steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with piroxicam,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Feldene)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about piroxicam.
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