Common uses

Piroxicam Gel (Feldene) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, muscle aches, backache, and arthritis. It may also be used to reduce fever. This medicine works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain, swelling, and fever.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or arthritis. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine, unless you first discuss it with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin and other non-prescription pain relievers.

For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation, indigestion, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash or other skin conditions, ringing in ears, sore throat, fever, sore mouth.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; unexplained nosebleeds, chest pain; convulsions; or fainting. Contact your doctor immediately and stop taking this medicine if you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.