Finalgel (Feldene)

Pharmaceutical name: Piroxicam

Piroxicam is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Piroxicam works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Therapeutic actions:
The anti-inflammatory effect of Piroxicam may result from the reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase, causing the peripheral inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called Cox-1. Piroxicam blocks the Cox-1 enzyme, resulting into the disruption of production of prostaglandins. Piroxicam also inhibits the migration of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and prevents the formation of thromboxane A2, an aggregating agent, by the platelets.

What is it used for?:
- For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Contraindications and cautions:
- allergy to any ingredient in Feldene;
- known allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib);
- recent or forthcoming heart surgery;
- the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Side effects:
Serious side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; unusual joint or muscle pain; vision or speech changes; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; dark urine; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; depression; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Less serious side effects: constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

Interactions:
- the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased by anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), heparin, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine);
- the risk of Feldene 's side effects may be increase by probenecid;
- Feldene may increase the risk of side effects of cyclosporine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, methotrexate, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide);
- Feldene may decrease effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril) or diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).