Uses

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

Piroxicam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult 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.

Warnings

Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use piroxicam 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.

Before taking this medicine:

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.

Piroxicam dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Recommended dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Comments:

-The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible should be used based on individual patient treatment goals.

-Due to the long half-life, there is a progressive response to treatment over several weeks; the effect of therapy should not be assessed for 2 weeks.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Recommended dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Comments:

-The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible should be used based on individual patient treatment goals.

-Due to the long half-life, there is a progressive response to treatment over several weeks; the effect of therapy should not be assessed for 2 weeks.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.