Feldene

Feldene is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) arthritis medication. It is primarily used to treat common symptoms of arthritis, especially joint pain and swelling. Generic Feldene is available under the name piroxicam. Feldene dosage is generally 10 mg or 20 mg, in capsule form. Feldene gel is also available, for direct application to the painful or inflamed area. Feldene is one of the biggest drugs used in arthritis treatment, with annual sales in the billions of dollars.

Side effects of taking Feldene include minor side effects like heartburn, headache, or gas, and major side effects such as chest pain, swelling, and coughing up or vomiting blood. Major side effects and allergic reactions to Feldene require emergency medical care. Minor side effects may be reported to your doctor. Feldene is a class "C" drug, and should not be taken by pregnant women, especially in the final trimester. Breastfeeding women should also avoid Feldene. Certain medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, asthma, and heart disease may prevent you from taking Feldene. You should discuss all your medical conditions with your doctor, and tell him or her about any other medications you are taking. Blood pressure drugs, aspirin, and other NSAIDs such as Aleve should not be taken in conjunction with Feldene, to avoid possibly dangerous interactions. Vitamin interaction is also possible, so your doctor should know about any vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplements that you take.

Serious conditions may result from taking Feldene. These include an increased risk of stroke or heart problems, renal dysfunction, and bleeding or even perforation (development of a hole) of the stomach or intestine. An overdose of Feldene will often cause perforation of the stomach, which will show itself by the patient vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. Perforation of the stomach or intestine must be treated right away. If left untreated, this condition can result in death from internal bleeding or infection.

Patients who take Feldene for a long time will need to be monitored by their doctor for such conditions as high blood pressure (hypertension), liver changes, or development of stomach ulcers. You should make, and keep, regular appointments with your doctor to check for these conditions. Because of these risks, you must not take Feldene unless you are under a doctor's care. For your convenience, there are many sites where you can order Feldene online with a valid prescription, and have the medication delivered to your home.