Feldene

The active ingredient in Feldene is piroxicam, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by inhibiting proteins in your body (cyclooxygenase or COX) that produce inflammation, discomfort, and swelling.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Feldene. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Feldene:

• It may be up to two weeks before your symptoms improve. Continue taking the medication as suggested, and notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
• If you use Feldene for an extended period, you may require regular medical examinations.

The most common side effects of Feldene seen in clinical trials include:

• Constipation.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Fluid retention.
• Heartburn.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Blurred vision.
• Diarrhea or upset stomach.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Feldene. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Stomach bleeding symptoms: feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or dark feces, and experiencing extreme stomach pain or discomfort.

-Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or tightness that extends to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw.

• Stroke symptoms: chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness in one area of the body or face, and slurred speech.
• Symptoms of heart failure: trouble breathing, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, edema, and a rapid heart rate.
• Liver problems: stomach enlargement, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, disorientation, and dark or brown urine.
• Kidney damage: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, less frequent urination, frothy or bloody urine, and muscle cramps.
• Allergic reactions: hives, skin rashes, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing.
• Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Feldene. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Feldene, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems, or risk factors for these conditions.
• A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
• A stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding (particularly after taking an NSAID).
• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• Asthma.
• An allergy to piroxicam or other NSAIDs.
• A recent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• A condition being treated with corticosteroids or salicylates.

Boxed Warning

• NSAIDs, including piroxicam, can produce severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal. They may also increase risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. Piroxicam should not be used for pain before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as well.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Piroxicam (Feldene) is not safe to take.

• Asthma, hives, or other allergic responses occur after using aspirin or another NSAID.
• Piroxicam use following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Usually, you'll need to take it for around two weeks to see if it works for you and up to 3 months to get the full benefits from this medication.

When Feldene is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin.
• Lithium.
• Methotrexate.
• A blood thinner or other anticoagulants that help to avoid blood clots.
• Heart or blood pressure medication, such as a diuretic or "water pill".
• Steroid medications (such as prednisone).
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression.
• An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems.

The usual dose is 20 mg taken orally once per day. If necessary, your provider may divide the regular prescription into smaller quantities that can be given during the day.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, but omit it if it's almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Store Feldene at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Feldene.

There are lower-cost generics available of Feldene.

There is a specific way to stop taking Feldene. However, it is highly important to speak to your healthcare provider if you wish to stop taking the medication.

If you are pregnant, you should not use Feldene unless your doctor has told you to. Taking an NSAID in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy might cause major heart or renal problems in the unborn baby, as well as pregnancy difficulties.

Ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary) may be delayed while you are taking Feldene. This impact is usually temporary. You should not take this medication if you are attempting to get pregnant.

Feldene is not to be used during lactation. Feldene, like most NSAIDs, has an active component that passes into breast milk and can harm your infant.