Piroxicam

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Piroxicam Prescription Drug Information

Piroxicam (By mouth)
Piroxicam (pir-OX-i-kam)

Treats pain caused by arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other medical problems. This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s):Feldene
There may be other brand names for Piroxicam.

When Piroxicam Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Piroxicam if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to piroxicam, aspirin, or other pain and arthritis medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Motrin®, or Vioxx®. Do not use Piroxicam right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.

How to Use Piroxicam:
Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Piroxicam to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take Piroxicam with food or milk.
• Use Piroxicam for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
• Piroxicam should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose of Piroxicam is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Piroxicam:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Piroxicam:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), or a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®). Tell your doctor if you are using lithium (Eskalith®), methotrexate (Trexall®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®), or a blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Atacand®, Hyzaar®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®).
• Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.

Warnings While Using Piroxicam:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Piroxicam during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, eye or vision problems, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart or circulation problems.
• Piroxicam may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use Piroxicam for a long time might also have a higher risk.
• Piroxicam may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner).
• Piroxicam may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using Piroxicam.
• Serious skin reactions can occur with Piroxicam. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using Piroxicam.
• Liver problems may occur while you are using Piroxicam. Stop using Piroxicam and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
• Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using Piroxicam. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Piroxicam:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Skin rash or blisters with fever.
• Sudden or severe headache.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Piroxicam, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, gas, or stomach pain.
• Mild rash or itching skin.
• Ringing in your ears.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Piroxicam, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088