About piroxicam

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as an NSAID. It is used to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic disorders only if other NSAIDs have not been effective.

Piroxicam works by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (also known as COX) which is involved in the production of irritant chemicals in response to conditions such as arthritis. By blocking the action of COX, piroxicam reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Piroxicam is also available as a topical preparation to be applied directly to the skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain. There is more information about this in a separate leaflet called Piroxicam (topical).

Before taking piroxicam

Before taking piroxicam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are over 65 years of age.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• If you have heart problems.
• If you have ever had blood clotting problems or have porphyria (a rare blood disorder) .
• If you have blood in your stools, or have inflammatory bowel disease.
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) or to any other medicine.

How to take piroxicam

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take piroxicam exactly as your doctor has told you. Do not take more than the dose you have been prescribed.
• Take piroxicam with or soon after eating a meal or snack.
• Piroxicam has a long duration of action so you will only need to take one dose each day.
• If you have been given Feldene® Melt tablets. Remove the tablets from the pack by peeling back the loose flap at the edge of the packet (do not try pushing the tablet through the foil as this will break the tablet.) You can swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water, or alternatively place it on your tongue and allow it to dissolve in your mouth.
• To avoid missing any doses, try to take piroxicam at the same time each day.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to check regularly that piroxicam is suitable for you.
• Your doctor may prescribe another medicine along with piroxicam to protect your stomach from irritation.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with piroxicam.

Can piroxicam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you experience any of the following, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

• Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
• A skin rash.
• Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
• A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store piroxicam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines