When we have joint pain, back pain, or long-term pain caused by a condition like arthritis , we often use a painkiller, right? Piroxicam is a drug that many people use, especially doctors recommend for conditions like arthritis. But there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this drug. Let's talk about it today.
What kind of medicine is Piroxicam?
Simply put, Piroxicam is a pain and inflammation medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) . While the name may sound complicated, its meaning is simple. This medication works by controlling the production of certain chemicals in our body that cause pain , swelling, and fever. Medications like Ibuprofen and Naproxen also belong to this class. Feldene is a well-known brand name for this medication.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Piroxicam, it is important to tell your doctor about your health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health status | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | If you have high blood pressure, a heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, or have previously had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. |
| Stomach and intestinal problems | If you have stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or other gastrointestinal diseases. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If there is any problem with kidney or liver function. |
| Bleeding disorders and anemia | If you have a blood clotting disorder or a low red blood cell count (anemia). |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Piroxicam, other NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or any other medicine or food. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| Other habits | If you are a frequent drinker or smoker. |
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine is taken by mouth. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time as directed by your doctor. You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with a meal. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Since the effects of this medicine may be a bit stronger for people over the age of 65, your doctor may recommend a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Other medications that may interact with Piroxicam
Some medications can cause serious problems when taken together with Piroxicam, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Never take Piroxicam with these | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Methotrexate | Pemetrexed |
| Be especially careful when taking Piroxicam with these | |
| |
This list is not complete. Also tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal remedies, alcohol, and cigarettes you take.
Important things to consider when taking medication
Risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
This is the main risk of NSAIDs like Piroxicam. This medication can cause serious stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . This risk is higher in people who smoke, drink alcohol, are elderly, and have poor health.
If you have severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools, see a doctor immediately. Also, do not take other painkillers like Aspirin or Ibuprofen while taking this medicine.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
This medicine will not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, continued use may increase your risk. This risk is even higher if you have heart disease.
Pregnancy and childbirth
If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about this. Taking this medicine in the latter part of pregnancy (after 30 weeks) is not recommended as it may cause serious harm to the baby. It may also affect your ability to conceive.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Piroxicam can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black/tarry stools, vomiting blood/coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, or arm, difficulty breathing, nausea, and sweating. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Kidney/liver problems | Decreased urine output, swelling of the legs/ankles, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the right side of the abdomen. |
| Serious skin reactions | Fever accompanied by redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Piroxicam is an NSAID medication used for pain and inflammation.
- Before taking this, tell your doctor about all your health conditions (especially heart, stomach, and kidney diseases) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or a severe skin reaction, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid taking other painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen when taking Piroxicam.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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