Tenoxicam helps relieve pain and inflammation. It is used to provide relief in pain associated with musculoskeletal and joint disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of your spine), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles), and osteoarthritis (a joint disorder where the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones wears down causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Tenoxicam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
You may stop taking this medicine when you no longer have pain and inflammation.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take Tenoxicam if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other similar painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of asthma, rhinitis (inflammation inside the lining of the nose caused by allergens), skin rash, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or similar painkillers
- current or history of ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or bowel
- history of stomach or bowel problems after taking other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- severe gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Tenoxicam may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of asthma
- heart disease, including risk factors e.g. high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- peripheral arterial disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- history of stomach or bowel problem e.g. Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon), ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tenoxicam to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Individuals who are intermediate and poor metabolisers of CYP2C9 may experience enhanced side effects of this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor. Monitor for signs of severe stomach problems and let your doctor know immediately.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of skin reactions, bleeding, or severe stomach problems may also be needed.
Tenoxicam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach wind, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other NSAIDs e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone
- certain medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. cilazapril, enalapril, propranolol
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tenoxicam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.