Feldene/Piroxicam
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Feldene is the brand name for the drug piroxicam. Piroxicam belongs to the NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) class of medications, and is prescribed to treat swelling, stiffness and pain from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis as well as the ankylosing spondylitis form of arthritis.
The drug appears to work by blocking prostaglandin, which is the chemical in our bodies that contributes to swelling, inflammation and pain.
Manufactured by drug giant Pfizer, Feldene has been marketed in the U.S. since 1982.
Dangers
Feldene and has been associated with a substantial increased risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Erythema Multiforme (EM) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Feldene, along with the drug Daypro has the highest reporting rate of serious skin diseases during its first years on the market.
Feldene/Piroxicam has at least eight deaths associated with toxic skin reactions, as well as 25 reports to the FDA of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Topical Epidermal Necrolysis
Feldene, like Daypro, also has a significantly long plasma half life (50 hours in the bloodstream). One theory is that drugs with longer half lives (the amount of time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the blood to be reduced by half) carry a higher risk for toxic reactions and/or increase the severity of the reaction.
Responsibility
SJS, EM and TENS are severe toxic drug reactions that can --and do -- result in death, blindness, disfiguring, scarring and disabilities. The risk of EM, SJS, TEN and other skin reactions are not displayed prominently in the WARNINGS section of Feldene's package insert, and may not adequately warn consumers of the serious risk of these side effects. Many innocent people may be taking Feldene/Piroxicam without being adequately informed of its risks, and many have been harmed as a result.
If you or a loved one has been afflicted with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, please e-mail or call us today and we will evaluate your Stevens-Johnson claim for free.
The law firm of Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Echsner & Proctor, P.A. is nationally recognized as the fourth-winningest law firm in the United States. Our attorneys specialize in product liability and drug litigation cases.