Health Centres - Feldene gel
How does it work?
Feldene gel contains the active ingredient piroxicam, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Piroxicam gel is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Piroxicam works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Piroxicam blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
When piroxicam is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area.
Feldene gel is used to relieve local pain and inflammation caused by a variety of muscle, joint, tendon and ligament conditions or injuries, for example osteoarthritis of superficial joints such as the knee, tendon inflammation (tendinitis), sprains, strains or tennis elbow.
The gel should be rubbed gently into the skin over the affected area. The piroxicam will be absorbed into the underlying tissues, where it will relieve pain and inflammation.
What is it used for?
-
Osteoarthritis in superficial joints such as the knee
- Inflammation of the tissue around a joint (periarthritis)
- Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)
- Inflammation of a tendon (tendinitis)
- Inflammation of a tendon sheath (tenosynovitis)
- Pain and inflammation due to injury of the muscles or bones, eg sprains, strains
Warning!
- This preparation is for external use only.
Use with caution in
- Decreased kidney function
Not to be used in
- People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema)
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly the third trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
- Local skin reaction eg redness, itching
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
- Do not apply the gel to broken, diseased, infected or irritated skin, or to open wounds.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- You should not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
- When piroxicam is applied to the skin it's absorption into the bloodstream is very low, far lower than piroxicam taken by mouth. This means it is much less likely to cause side effects on the gut than oral piroxicam. However, it is important that people with a history of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines are closely monitored by a doctor while using this medicine, particularly if elderly. Consult your doctor if you experience side effects such as stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn or signs of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, eg blood in the stools, while using this medicine.
- If large areas of the body are treated with gel, absorption into the bloodstream will be greater and the risk of side effects increased, especially if the gel is used frequently.
- If symptoms persist or you get a rash during treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
- You should avoid excessive exposure to bright sunlight while using this medicine, as it may increase the risk of sunburn.
- Decreased liver function
- History of ulceration or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- Feldene gel is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- The manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding, as there is no safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis)
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
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