Tenoxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) a doctor may prescribe for a patient with inflammation caused by arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. This medication is available by prescription only and may not be suitable for all patients. If a doctor recommends tenoxicam or another medication in the oxicam class, the patient should review his medical history with the doctor to determine if it will be appropriate and safe.
This drug works by inhibiting the activity of clyclo-oxygenase (COX), a compound involved in inflammatory processes in the body. While on tenoxicam, patients should experience less pain and inflammation. For patients with chronic inflammation in association with conditions like arthritis, the drug can improve mobility and increase comfort. It is important to take the drug consistently to get the best results.
Patients with a history of internal bleeding, gastrointestinal inflammation, or allergic reactions to other COX inhibitors may not be good candidates for tenoxicam therapy. The medication could cause potentially dangerous adverse reactions, and the doctor will need to recommend a different drug to manage inflammation. Patients should discuss all bad drug reactions they have experienced so the doctor can make the best prescription decision for the patient. It is also advisable to list all drug allergies with the pharmacist for safety.
The most common tenoxicam side effect is gastrointestinal upset. Patients may feel nauseous and can experience diarrhea and vomiting while on the drug. Other patients develop symptoms like dizziness and headache. If side effects become extremely strong, patients should consult their doctors. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding like bloody vomit or tarry stool are a cause for concern, and the patient should immediately stop taking the drug and call a doctor to get advice on how to proceed.
Some patients may know this medication by brand names like Mobiflex®. It is important to follow dosing directions carefully, as this drug is strong and patients can overdose if they are not careful. The medication should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children and pets. It should not be shared with other members of the household, as they may have an adverse reaction or underlying medical conditions that would contraindicate the use of tenoxicam. Patients with recurring prescriptions should notify their pharmacists if the medication looks or smells different, as changes to the medication are not normal and may be a sign that the patient has the wrong dose or there is something wrong with that batch.