Piroxicam

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain or swelling caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Piroxicam may also be used for other reasons that are not included in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the smallest dose that works for your condition.

It may take up to 2 weeks for your symptoms to get better. Continue using the medicine as directed and let your doctor know if your symptoms do not improve.

If you take piroxicam for a long time, you may need regular medical tests.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Piroxicam can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use piroxicam right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Piroxicam can also lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be life-threatening.

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, even if you don't have any risk factors. 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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• a stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding (especially while using an NSAID);
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma; or
• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

If you are pregnant, you should not take piroxicam unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

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.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

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, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using piroxicam and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Piroxicam may cause serious side effects. Stop using piroxicam and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• heart problems—swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• liver problems—loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• kidney problems—little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of piroxicam 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

20 mg orally once a day-If desired: 10 mg orally twice a dayComments:-Potential benefits and risks of this drug and other therapeutic options should be carefully considered before deciding to use this drug.-The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration according to individual patient treatment goals.-Dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs after observing response to initial treatment with this drug.-In older adult patients, if the anticipated benefit outweighs potential risks, dosing should be started at the low end of the dosing range.Uses: For relief of signs/symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

20 mg orally once a day-If desired: 10 mg orally twice a dayComments:-Potential benefits and risks of this drug and other therapeutic options should be carefully considered before deciding to use this drug.-The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration according to individual patient treatment goals.-Dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs after observing response to initial treatment with this drug.-In older adult patients, if the anticipated benefit outweighs potential risks, dosing should be started at the low end of the dosing range.Uses: For relief of signs/symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

Do not drink alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Do not take aspirin while you are using piroxicam.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may have ingredients similar to piroxicam (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Ask your doctor before using piroxicam if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• a blood thinner or other medication used to prevent blood clots;
• 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 affect piroxicam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.