Piroxicam

[WillyL]

Could not find Arcoxia in Cha-Am for gout but pharmacist recommended Neorox (piroxicam 20 mg). Much cheaper and quite effective.

Later, read in the internet that this drug is harmful.

Anyone has tried this - your comments?

Thanks.

[gunnyd]

I took Feldene (Proxicam) when it was fairly new and ended up with 2 duodenal ulcers before the doctors at the Veterans Administration changed off of it. It is a powerful anti inflammatory medication and really shouldn't be taken without medical supervision. As of today Feldene (Proxicam) has been given the following "Black Box" (the highest warning given by the FDA before they pulled it off the market) warning by the FDA.:

People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as piroxicam may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke, if you smoke, and if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech.

If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type of heart surgery), you should not take piroxicam right before or right after the surgery.

NSAIDs such as piroxicam may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older in age, have poor health, or drink large amounts of alcohol while you are taking piroxicam. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines or other bleeding disorders. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking piroxicam and call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably order certain tests to check your body's response to piroxicam. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling so that your doctor can prescribe the right amount of medication to treat your condition with the lowest risk of serious side effects.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with piroxicam and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/cder) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

It is a prescription drug in the US for a reason. I would recommend you spend a few baht and seek the opinion of a Doctor. Pharmacists are not the best resource in Thailand for medical advice. You should be able to get a pharmacy to order Arcoxia for you. It should not be difficult since it is not a narcotic.

Also you should be aware that Arcoxia has its own problems: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-0...a-arcoxia_N.htm

GunnyD