Piroxicam: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also sold as Feldene. It is mainly prescribed to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Piroxicam requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1992-12-11.

Piroxicam belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class. NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins, which are natural substances involved in pain, inflammation and fever. By reducing these substances, piroxicam can ease inflammation, joint pain and stiffness.

Its action is not limited to the affected joint, so it can also affect the stomach, kidneys, blood pressure, heart and blood vessels. This explains why the medicine can cause serious gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular side effects in some people. The anti-inflammatory effect can build progressively over several weeks.

Piroxicam is used to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving. Piroxicam helps reduce the inflammation and pain linked with these forms of arthritis.

It does not remove the underlying cause of arthritis. Treatment should be reviewed by a prescriber because piroxicam can cause serious stomach, intestinal and cardiovascular problems. The label advises using the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration that fits individual treatment goals.

The label lists 10 mg and 20 mg capsules for oral use. The usual starting dose is 20 mg once daily for relief of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The label lists that the daily dose may be divided if desired.

The label lists that the dose and frequency should be adjusted according to the individual response to initial therapy. The label lists use of the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual treatment goals. The label lists that steady-state blood levels are not reached for 7 to 12 days, so the effect of treatment should not be assessed for two weeks.

Store at 20° to 25°C. Keep the capsules in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, as directed on the label. Keep the medicine away from children and protect it from moisture and unsuitable storage conditions to maintain quality.

A missed dose means that the planned dose was not taken at the intended time. General pharmacy practice is to follow the prescriber’s instructions and avoid taking extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

If several doses are missed, a pharmacist or prescriber can advise how to restart treatment safely. Extra doses may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, high blood pressure and other NSAID-related effects.

Piroxicam can cause fetal kidney dysfunction, reduced amniotic fluid and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. The label advises limiting dose and duration between about 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and avoiding use at about 30 weeks and later.

If an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks or later, use should be limited to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive with a doctor or pharmacist, as NSAIDs are associated with reversible infertility.