General Description: Piroxicam is an NSAID used in the treatment of various cancers in dogs and cats. Piroxicam is also effective against arthritis symptoms, but there are safer drugs available for this use. Piroxicam is available in 10 and 20 mg capsules.
What is this drug?
An NSAID
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Used mainly in dogs and cats to treat some types of cancer, ex. transitional cell carcinoma (a bladder cancer), mammary adenocarcinoma, etc.
Usually combined with other drugs
May be used to manage the pain, fever and inflammation associated with arthritis, but there are safer drug choices
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Do not use in patients with known kidney or liver disease or those with bleeding disorders, gastric ulcers or high blood pressure
Use with extreme caution in pets with severe heart disease
Use with caution in cats as there is little veterinary experience with this drug
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to piroxicam or other NSAIDs
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually givenonce a day or once every other day .
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
Give piroxicam with food to reduce the chance of gastrointestinal issues occurring.
Baseline and periodic blood testing may be necessary to assess the pet’s health and response to piroxicam.
Call ahead for refills.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
If you notice a strong vinegar smell to the medication, do not use the product but have it replaced.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Stomach and intestinal ulcers, prolonged bleeding, loss of appetite, vomiting, dark and tarry bowel movements, diarrhea and peritonitis. Vomiting or diarrhea could indicate that your pet has gastric ulcers. Discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Liver or kidney effects. Notify your veterinarian if you notice any change in your pet’s urinary habits.
False elevation of blood glucose levels
Humans report headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, rashes and itchiness
If you see any of these symptoms or notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with ACE inhibitors (ex. benazepril, enalapril), anticoagulants, cisplatin, diazepam, digoxin, flunixin, furosemide, methotrexate, other NSAIDs, phenylbutazone, propranolol and steroids,
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, piroxicam should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about piroxicam. If you have any questions or concerns about piroxicam or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
