Pirox DT 20 (Piroxicam 20mg)

What is piroxicam?

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Piroxicam 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.

What is the most important information I should know about piroxicam?

Piroxicam can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. 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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking piroxicam?

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, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. 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. To make sure piroxicam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke; a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding; asthma; liver or kidney disease; or fluid retention.

Taking piroxicam during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. 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. Piroxicam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Piroxicam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take piroxicam?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

What should I avoid while taking piroxicam?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking piroxicam. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to piroxicam. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Piroxicam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 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, feeling short of breath. Stop using piroxicam and call your doctor at once if you have: changes in your vision; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion); swelling or rapid weight gain; the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.