Feldene (Piroxicam)

Do’s

• Before you begin taking Feldene and each time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
• Feldene should be taken by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid. 
• The dosage of Feldene is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
• If you're taking Feldene "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
• Feldene may not provide immediate relief. It may take several weeks of regular use before you experience the full benefit of this medication. If your condition does not improve or if it worsens, inform your healthcare provider.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's just a few hours until your next dose, wait and take a single dose at the usual time. 
• Store Feldene at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Don’ts

• After taking the medication, avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not increase your dose, take this medication more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Never try to catch up on a missed dose by taking two doses at once as this could result in dangerous side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Digestive tract problems such as ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, and perforations
• Increased risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases such as strokes and myocardial infarctions

Not all individuals may experience these side effects, and there may be other side effects not listed here. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Feldene, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Feldene may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease should use Feldene with caution.

Patients should stop taking Feldene immediately and contact their healthcare provider if they develop any type of rash or fever.

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

Pregnant women should be cautious when using Feldene, especially between about 20 to 30 weeks gestation, and may need to be monitored for oligohydramnios if treatment continues for longer than 48 hours.

Feldene may interact with other medications, including antidepressants, digoxin, lithium, blood thinners, heart or blood pressure medication, and steroid medicine. Inform your healthcare provider about all your other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products to avoid potential interactions.

A healthcare provider should closely monitor patients for changes in dosage requirements when administering Feldene to patients on other highly protein-bound drugs. Additionally, patients with concomitant use of Feldene with corticosteroids should be monitored for signs of bleeding.

Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. If you have specific concerns or questions about the use of Feldene, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.