Indications 

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) utilized to mitigate pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with arthritis. By diminishing these symptoms, it facilitates the resumption of routine daily activities. This medication exerts its effects by inhibiting the production of specific endogenous substances within the body that contribute to inflammation. If you are undergoing treatment for a chronic condition such as arthritis, consult your physician regarding non-pharmacological therapies or alternative medications to address your pain. 

Uses and Dosage 

FELDENE is specifically indicated for alleviating both the clinical manifestations and accompanying symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Following an initial assessment of the response to FELDENE therapy, adjustments to the dosage and frequency should be made to cater to the individual patient’s specific requirements. 

To alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a daily oral dose of 20 mg is recommended. This dose may be administered as a single dose or divided throughout the day, based on patient preference. Due to the extended half-life of FELDENE, it takes approximately 7 to 12 days to achieve steady-state blood levels. Consequently, while the therapeutic effects of Feldene become apparent early in treatment, there is a gradual improvement over several weeks. Thus, refrain from assessing the effectiveness of therapy until at least two weeks of continuous treatment have transpired. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects

You may experience side effects when taking this medication, such as:  

• Upset stomach 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness 
• Headache 

If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Severe Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have determined that the benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication do not experience severe side effects. 

This medication may have an impact on your blood pressure. You must regularly monitor your blood pressure and inform your doctor if the readings are elevated. 

In case of any severe side effects, immediate medical attention should be sought. These may include:  

• Easy bruising or bleeding 
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing 
• Changes in hearing (such as ringing in the ears) 
• Alterations in mental or mood states 
• Signs of kidney problems (such as changes in urine output) 
• Unexplained stiff neck 
• Changes in vision 
• Symptoms indicative of heart failure, such as:  
  • Swelling in the ankles or feet 
  • Unusual fatigue 
  • Sudden and unexplained weight gain 

Cautions 

Before initiating this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly any instances of:  

• Asthma (including a history of worsened breathing following the ingestion of aspirin or other NSAIDs) 
• Blood disorders (such as anemia or bleeding/clotting issues) 
• Nasal polyps 
• Heart disease (including prior heart attack) 
• High blood pressure 
• Liver disease 
• Stroke 
• Throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, or ulcers) 

NSAID medications, including piroxicam, can occasionally lead to kidney problems. The risk of such issues is heightened if you are experiencing dehydration, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or are taking certain medications. To prevent dehydration, consume ample fluids as instructed by your doctor. Notify your doctor if there is a change in your urine output.