Tenam

Indications

Tenoxicam is used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in:

• Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine).
• Short-term soft tissue problems such as sprains, strains, tendinitis and bursitis.

How It Works

Tenoxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the COX enzymes that make prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and inflammation. It stays in the body for a long time, so one dose a day is enough.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults, tablets: usually 20 mg once a day, at the same time each day, with or after food and a glass of water. Do not take more than 20 mg a day.
• Soft tissue injuries: usually for up to 7 days, and no longer than 14 days unless the doctor advises.
• Older people: the lowest effective dose, with careful monitoring.
• Injection: given into a vein or muscle by a doctor or nurse, usually for a short time.
• Not recommended for children.
• Use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed.

Interactions

• Other NSAIDs, including Aspirin: more stomach bleeding without extra benefit.
• Blood thinners (Warfarin), corticosteroids, and antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine: higher bleeding risk.
• Blood pressure medicines (such as Enalapril, Losartan) and diuretics: less effect and more risk to the kidneys.
• Lithium and Methotrexate: their levels can rise.
• Cholestyramine speeds up the removal of tenoxicam.
• Oral diabetes medicines (sulfonylureas): monitor blood sugar.

Contraindications

• Allergy to tenoxicam or other NSAIDs, including asthma, hives or runny nose triggered by Aspirin or other painkillers.
• Active stomach or duodenal ulcer, or a history of stomach bleeding or perforation.
• Severe heart failure, severe kidney or liver disease.
• The last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Pain relief around heart bypass surgery.

Side Effects

Common: indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, dizziness, and swelling of the ankles.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you have:

• Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds, or severe stomach pain.
• Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or sudden weakness on one side or trouble speaking.
• Wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a severe skin rash with blistering or peeling.
• Passing very little urine, or yellow skin or eyes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid during pregnancy unless the doctor advises it, especially from 20 weeks onwards; it must not be used in the last 3 months. NSAIDs may also make it harder to become pregnant. Small amounts pass into breast milk; because it stays in the body a long time, it is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Like other NSAIDs, it can slightly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially at high doses or with long use.
• Use with care if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver problems, asthma, or a past stomach ulcer, and in older people.
• Long-term users may need blood pressure, kidney and liver checks.
• It can cause dizziness; do not drive if affected.

Overdose

Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness and stomach bleeding; rarely kidney problems or fits. Get medical help straight away and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); oxicam.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.