PIROXICAM is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. It may be used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
• drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks a day
• heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to piroxicam, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with food and with a full glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cidofovir
• ketorolac
• methotrexate
• pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alcohol
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• diuretics
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other blood thinners
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. It can take up to 2 weeks before the medicine works. Do not take with other pain killers without advice from your doctor. If you get flu like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, and pains), call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from the medicine.

The medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing or wheezing
• nausea or vomiting
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
• unexplained weight gain or swelling
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• heartburn

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.