Product Details

Before you take Feldene Capsules

Do not take Feldene • If you have previously had or currently have a stomach or intestinal ulcer, bleeding or perforation. • If you have, or have previously had disorders of the stomach or intestines such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastrointestinal cancers or diverticulitis (inflamed or infected pouches/pockets in the colon). • If you are taking other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, celecoxib or acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), a substance present in many medicines used to relieve pain and lower fever. • If you are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, to prevent blood clots. • If you previously had an allergic reaction to piroxicam, (the active ingredient in this medicine) or any of the other ingredients, other NSAIDs or any other medications, especially serious skin reactions (regardless of severity) such as exfoliative dermatitis (intense reddening of skin, with Page 2 of 8 skin peeling off in scales or layers), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (symptoms are a rash, blistering or peeling of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (a disease with blistering and peeling of the top layer of skin). • If you have severe heart failure. • If you are in the last three months of pregnancy. If any of the above applies to you, tell your doctor immediately and do not take Feldene. Potentially life-threatening skin rashes (DRESS syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported with the use of piroxicam, appearing initially as reddish target-like spots or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk. Additional signs to look for include ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes). These potentially life-threatening skin rashes are often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. The rash may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin. The highest risk for occurrence of serious skin reactions is within the first weeks of treatment. If you have developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis with the use of piroxicam, you must not be re-started on piroxicam at any time. If you develop a rash or skin symptoms, you should stop taking Feldene immediately, seek prompt medical advice and tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. Take special care with Feldene: Before prescribing Feldene (piroxicam), your doctor will assess the benefits this medicine may give you against your risk of developing side effects. Your doctor may need to give you check-ups and will tell you how often you need to be checked during treatment with Feldene. Medicines such as Feldene may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment or if you are a smoker. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. Tell your doctor before you take Feldene if you suffer from or have suffered in the past from any of the following conditions: • liver disease • kidney disease • high blood pressure, heart problems or stroke • high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries • asthma • diabetes If you have or had any other medical problems or any allergies or if you are not sure as to whether you can use Feldene tell your doctor before taking this medicine. You should stop taking Feldene immediately and tell your doctor if you have any allergic reaction such as a skin rash, swelling of the face, wheezing or difficulty breathing Page 3 of 8 Take special care with Feldene as like all NSAIDs, Feldene can cause serious reactions in the stomach and intestines, such as pain, bleeding, ulceration and perforation. You should stop taking Feldene immediately and tell your doctor if you have stomach pain or any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, such as passing black or bloodstained bowel movements or vomiting blood. Your doctor may prescribe Feldene together with another medicine to protect your stomach and intestines from side effects, particularly if you are over 70 years old, or you are taking other medicines like corticosteroids (medicines given to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies and hormone imbalances), certain medicines for depression called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or low dose acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to help prevent heart attacks or stroke. Feldene may make it more difficult to become pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant. Patients over 70 years of age If you are over 70 years old, your doctor may wish to minimise the length of your treatment and to see you more often while you are taking Feldene. You should not take this medicine if you are over 80 years of age. Taking other medicines Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking or took recently (in the last week) – even medicines you bought yourself without a prescription. Medicines can sometimes interfere with each other. Your doctor may limit your use of Feldene or other medicines, or you may need to take a different medicine. The following medicines must not be taken with Feldene: • aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief • anticoagulants such as warfarin to prevent blood clots Tell your doctor before you take Feldene if you are taking any of the following medicines: • corticosteroids, which are medicines given to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies and hormone imbalances • low dose aspirin (75 mg) to help prevent heart attack or stroke • certain medicines used to treat heart conditions known as cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin • certain medicines for depression such as lithium or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) • antihypertensives to treat high blood pressure • methotrexate, which can be given to treat various conditions such as cancers, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis Page 4 of 8 • ciclosporin or tacrolimus, which are given to help prevent rejection of transplanted organs • quinolone antibiotics e.g.ciprofloxacin, which are used to treat various infections • mifepristone, a medicine used to terminate pregnancy • diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure or kidney problems Taking Feldene with food and drink Feldene should be taken with or after food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breast-feeding tell your doctor before you take Feldene. Do not take Feldene if you are in the last three months of pregnancy. It is not usually recommended at other stages of pregnancy, but you may be able to take it if your doctor advises that it is necessary for you. If you are trying to become pregnant or being investigated for infertility, withdrawal of Feldene should be considered. Feldene may increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machinery These capsules can cause some people to feel dizzy, drowsy, tired or have problems with their vision. If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Important information about some of the ingredients of Feldene Feldene contains lactose, a type of sugar. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Feldene. Feldene contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’