Pirocam is a drug to relieve inflammation and joint pain in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Pirocam contains 20 mg piroxicam.
Pirocam works by decreasing the synthesis or formation of prostaglandins, which are compounds in the body that cause symptoms of inflammation when injury or tissue damage occurs. This medicine is available in capsule form and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
What is Pirocam
| Active Ingredients | Piroxicam |
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | To relieve symptoms of arthritis and joint pain |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Pirocam for pregnant and lactating women | Category C (in the first and second trimesters):Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. |
| Category D (in the third trimester):There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Pirocam may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. | |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Taking Pirocam
Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take Pirocam if you are allergic to piroxicam or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Consult the use of Pirocam with your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from asthma, kidney disease, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, liver disease, or peptic ulcers.
- Consult a doctor about the use of Pirocam for the elderly who are over 75 years old.
- Pirocam should not be used by children under the age of 18. Discuss with your doctor if you want to give this medicine to children.
- Pirocam should not be used before and after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft), because this drug may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking Pirocam.
Dosage and Use of Pirocam
The dose of Pirocam varies based on the age of the patient. The dose of piroxicam to relieve pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients is 1 Pirocam 20 mg capsule, once a day. Especially for elderly patients, the dose starts with the lowest dose with a shorter duration of treatment.
How to Use Pirocam Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before taking Pirocam. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Pirocam should be taken with a meal or immediately after a meal. Swallow the capsule whole with the help of a glass of water.
During treatment with Pirocam, your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests, liver function tests, or kidney function tests to monitor your body's response to the drug.
Try to take Pirocam at the same time every day so that the drug can work optimally. Treatment generally lasts for 2 weeks until symptoms improve.
If you forget to take Pirocam, it is advisable to take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store Pirocam at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Pirocam with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that may occur when Pirocam is used with other drugs:
- Decreased effectiveness of diuretics or ACE inhibitors
- Increased risk of gastric and intestinal bleeding if used with corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), eg aspirin, antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antiplatelet agents, or anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- Increased risk of seizures when used with quinolones
- Increased risk of kidney damage if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- Increased levels of lithium or methotrexate in the blood
Pirocam Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can appear after taking Pirocam are:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Ears ringing
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are actually getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Coughing up blood, bloody stools, or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Infrequent urination or very little urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, or feeling unusually tired
- Jaundice, dark urine, or loss of appetite