Feldene safety: what you need to know about piroxicam
Thinking about taking Feldene (piroxicam)? Good — knowing the risks and how to use it safely reduces surprises. Feldene is a strong NSAID for pain and inflammation. That makes it effective, but it also raises some clear safety flags you should watch for.
Main risks to watch for
The biggest problems with Feldene come from the way NSAIDs work. They can irritate the stomach lining and raise the chance of ulcers or bleeding. If you see black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or severe stomach pain, stop the drug and get help.
Cardiovascular risk is another issue. Long-term use of some NSAIDs can slightly raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you already have heart disease. Kidney function can also drop while taking Feldene — watch for reduced urine output, swelling in the legs, or sudden weight gain.
Allergic reactions happen with any drug. If you get hives, face swelling, trouble breathing, or a sudden rash, stop immediately and seek emergency care.
How to use Feldene more safely
Follow the dose your doctor gives you. A common adult dose in many places is 20 mg once daily, but your doctor may change that based on your needs. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms.
Want to lower stomach risk? Take Feldene with food or milk. Don’t mix it with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen — that increases bleeding risk. Also be cautious if you’re on blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs), SSRIs, certain blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics), lithium, or methotrexate. Those combinations can change bleeding, kidney, or drug levels.
If you have a history of stomach ulcers, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver problems, talk to your doctor before starting Feldene. Older adults are more likely to get serious side effects and may need a different plan.
Pregnant? Avoid Feldene in the third trimester because it can cause issues for the baby’s circulation. For breastfeeding or early pregnancy, check with your prescriber.
Check-ups matter. If you’re on Feldene for weeks or months, your doctor may want to monitor blood pressure, kidney tests, and liver enzymes. Keep a list of all medicines and supplements you take so your provider can spot risky interactions.
Final quick tips: don’t self-adjust dose, report any unusual bleeding, swelling, or breathing trouble, and ask your pharmacist about drug interactions. If you’re unsure whether Feldene is right for you, the safest move is to ask your healthcare provider — they’ll match your pain relief needs to the least risky option.
