Feldene Gel (Piroxicam)

Do’s

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions: Apply Feldene gel exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically applied to the affected area(s) once or twice daily.
• Wash hands before and after: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying Feldene gel, unless treating your hands.
• Clean and dry the area: Clean and dry the affected skin area thoroughly before applying the gel.
• Apply a thin layer: Apply a thin film of Feldene gel to the affected area and rub it in gently. Don't massage heavily.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes: Be careful not to get Feldene gel in your eyes, mouth, or nose. Rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs.
• Maintain separation from other medications: If using other topical medications on the same area, wait at least 30 minutes after applying Feldene gel before applying the other medication.

• Don't use it on broken skin or open wounds: Don't apply Feldene gel to broken skin, infected areas, or open wounds.
• Don't cover or bandage the area (usually): Avoid bandaging, wrapping, or covering the treated area with dressings or occlusive materials (such as airtight bandages) unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't use for longer than prescribed: Don't use Feldene gel for longer than your healthcare provider prescribes.
• Don't use other NSAIDs (without consulting a healthcare provider): Avoid using Feldene gel with other topical or oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't Expect immediate relief: It may take some time to experience the full pain-relieving effects of Feldene gel.

Common Side Effects:

• Abnormal liver function tests
• Urination problems
• Upset stomach, heartburn, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Gas, diarrhea, constipation
• Dizziness, headache
• Itching, rash
• Ringing in your ears
• Minor gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and dyspepsia
• Abdominal pain and gastritis

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious gastrointestinal adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal
• Signs and symptoms of serious skin reactions, and to discontinue the use of Feldene at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling
• Anemia (pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath)
• Serious liver disease symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin
• Serious allergic reactions, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing
• Increased risk of fatal heart attack or stroke
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Feldene gel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Feldene gel may cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. If you experience any itching, burning, or redness after using Feldene gel, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Females of reproductive potential who desire pregnancy should be informed that NSAIDs, including Feldene, may be associated with a reversible delay in ovulation.

It should be made clear to patients that Feldene may be associated with a reversible delay in ovulation.

Physicians should closely monitor patients for a change in dosage requirements when administering Feldene to patients on other highly protein-bound drugs. Concomitant use of corticosteroids with Feldene may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.

If treatment with Feldene is needed for a pregnant woman between about 20 to 30 weeks gestation, she may need to be monitored for oligohydramnios if treatment continues for longer than 48 hours. Consult a healthcare provider before taking Feldene during pregnancy, nursing, or administering it to children or the elderly.