Feldene: Relief from the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What to Know as a Patient Taking Feldene

Sue Ellen K.
If your doctor has prescribed Feldene (Piroxicam) to you, and you would like to know more about Feldene (Piroxicam), or if you are simply someone who is interested in the prescriptions medication known as Feldene (Piroxicam), then this literature should prove beneficial to you. Feldene (Piroxicam) comes in capsule form. The capsules are ten milligram and twenty milligram in strength. The Feldene (Piroxicam) capsules that are ten milligrams are blue/dark red in color, and the Feldene (Piroxicam) capsules that are twenty milligrams are only dark red in color. Feldene (Piroxicam) is an NSAID, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Feldene (Piroxicam) blocks the action of certain hormones that cause pain the body, known as prostaglandins, from taking place. Feldene (Piroxicam) is indicated for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the body attacks its own joints for no apparent reason, causing much pain to the inflamed and affected areas. Feldene (Piroxicam) is also used for osteoarthritis, which can cause the appearance of gnarled hands. When taking Feldene (Piroxicam) for these indications, twenty milligrams are recommended daily in single or divided doses. Feldene (Piroxicam) is not recommended for use in children. If you are a patient taking, then you must be aware of the fact that Feldene (Piroxicam) can increase your serum levels of lithium, and also decrease the effects of medications that are in beta-blockers category.

Feldene (Piroxicam) should not be used with other non-inflammatory agents. If you are a patient who is sensitive to any ingredient in Feldene (Piroxicam), especially piroxicam, then you should not be using this medication. Caution should be used with patients who are having kidney problems and taking Feldene (Piroxicam). Also, patient suffering from hypertension, retention of fluid, heart failure, peptic ulcers, and bleeding disorders should exercise caution when using Feldene (Piroxicam). The elderly need to be very careful as well when taking Feldene (Piroxicam). If you as a patient develop some kind of eye problem when taking Feldene (Piroxicam), alert your doctor so that he/she may schedule for you to have periodic ophthalmic evaluations. Feldene (Piroxicam) may cause severe gastro-intestinal pains with or without warning. Other side effects of Feldene (Piroxicam) include nauseas, anorexia, flatulence (passing gas), constipation, dizziness, headache, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), anemia (low iron levels in the blood), leucopenia (decreased number of white blood cells), eosinophilia (high number of white blood cells), and pruritis (itching sensation in the skin).

Feldene (Piroxicam) may take up to two weeks to start taking effects, so it is important that you as the patient carefully and responsibly comply with the directions that your doctor gave you. You can take Feldene (Piroxicam) with milk or food in the case that you experience gastro-intestinal distress otherwise. Drinking alcohol of any kind when taking Feldene (Piroxicam) is definitely not advisable. It may increase the chances of you getting ulcers when taking Feldene (Piroxicam), Remember to avoid aspirins when taking Feldene (Piroxicam), and to store Feldene (Piroxicam) in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. Sunlight can diminish the potency of this medication. In the case that you miss a dose of Feldene (Piroxicam), take it when you remember unless the time is closer to your next dose. In that case, skip your missed dose and then return to your regular dosing schedule. If any of the side effects mentioned above become especially bothersome or severe, alert your doctor immediately.

Published by Sue Ellen K.

Sue Ellen is a 25 year old woman with a passion for scrapbooking, reading and anything nautical. She has two children and is in a fulfilling relationship.  View profile

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