What is Feldene?

Feldene is an oral capsule made up of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called piroxicam. We carry both the brand name and the generic choice of Feldene. You can purchase this medication is 10mg and 20mg!

What is Feldene used for?

Feldene is used to help treat inflammation or pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is when the protective cushion surrounding the joint, called cartilage, wears away and the bones begin rubbing against each other causing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes your body’s immune system to attack the lining in your joints which also causes inflammation.

How does Feldene work?

This medication works to treat these conditions by blocking out the production of the natural substances in your body that cause imflammation.

Ensure to follows your doctors instructions on how to take Feldene during the duration of treatment. This is to avoid adverse interactions and ineffectiveness.

This medication is taken orally, by mouth, once a day with a full glass (8oz) of water. Avoid lying down after taking the capsule. You may take this capsule with food, milk or an antacid to prevent an upset stomach.

If you are using this product “as needed” instead of “once daily”, ensure you take the capsule at the very first sign of pain. If you wait till the pain becomes unmanageable before taking the capsule, the medication will have to work a lot harder to treat it and may be less effective.

Feldene may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if there were no previous risk factors. Avoid using Feldene and other piroxicam products before and after having a heart bypass surgery. Your risk for intestinal or stomach bleeding increases while on Feldene.

Avoid using this medication if you have ever had an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID (like Tylenol).

It is important to tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a stomach ulcer, blood clots, heart disease, high blood pressure, or if you smoke. You may need to take extra precautions when using Feldene or may need a special dose adjustment.

Do not use this product if you are in your final 3 stages of pregnancy. This medication can harm a baby and the benefits and risks should be discussed before a pregnant female uses Feldene.

Feldene could cause a delay in ovulation. Fortunately, this is rarely ever permanent and should pass once you stop taking this medication. If you are trying for a baby, you may want to try an alternative medication.

The consequence of breastfeeding while on Feldene has not yet been established; contact your doctor if you have a nursing infant while on Feldene.

Common side effects of Feldene (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.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Feldene (piroxicam) may include:

severe headache; blurred vision;or pounding in your neck or ears.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

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;

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; and

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.

Is this safe to use in children?

No. This medication was designed for people over the age of 18. The safety and effectiveness of this medication has not been established in patients under 18 year old.

How long until my symptoms show signs of improvement?

It may take up to 2 weeks for signs of improvement to show.

Will this medication cause me to bruise or bleed more easily?

No. However, if you take this medication with an antidepressant, you then may become more vulnerable to bruising and bleeding.

What is the difference between the generic choice and the brand choice?

The brand choice is Feldene, made up of piroxicam and the generic is also made up of piroxicam but has no fancy name and is just called Piroxicam. The only difference is in the name, price and appearance of the medication. The active ingredients will always be the same.