does piroxicam lose effectiveness over time?

[givbludplayhocky]

I have autoimmune arthritis and was just prescribed piroxicam to take in addition to long-term anti-inflammitories. I am worried that if I take it now, every day or twice a day, that it will lose its effectiveness and stop working. Should i only take it when I am in extreme pain, or everyday to prevent stiffness and pain. Right now I use heated pads to relieve pain.

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Mangement Forum. I am glad that you took the time to post and apologize for my tardy response.

I understand your concern. Piroxicam, maybe better known by it's brand name Feldene
is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Unlike a narcotic these medications maintain their intended effectiveness in reduction of inflammation. However long term use of Feldene increases the possibility of undesirable effects to the gastrointestinal system as do most NSAID's.

Piroxicam should be taken as prescribed to maintain a consistent therapeutic blood level. Taking it sporadically does not keep the inflammation controlled. In disease conditions such as arthritis reducing inflammation means reducing the damage to joints that can occur with the progression of the disease. Obviously as the damage or deterioration of the joint(s) occur a higher dosages of NSAIDs will be required. So taking a consistent smaller dose at the start of the disease should be beneficial in avoiding or delaying the need for higher dosages.

Sandee is correct when addressing the pain control aspects of any drug. Once the pain level peaks it is much more difficult to get it back under control and often more of the drug is required. The addition of heat can add to your pain control but in my opinion should not be used in place of a NSAID, unless your physician directs you to do so.

I encourage you to take the medication as prescribed by your physician. If you feel the dosage is too high or you are uncomfortable taking it please discuss this with your prescribing physician. There may be other medications or options available to you. Sometimes simply opening a dialog with your PCP can ease your concerns.

I hope you will keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[sandee1818]

Hi,
     Any medication you take on a regular basis will begin to lose it's effectiveness over time and you will need an increase. But this is no reason not to take your medication. When you do not treat your pain and take the medicines as prescibed then you allow the pain to get out of control and then it is very difficult to get your pain back under control.
If you believe you can do without it and use the heat or other methods of this sort then that's great but you should take the medication as prescibed when your in pain.