Who should not take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)/ Hycam?

What increases the chances of getting a gastric ulcer when I am already taking Hycam?

The chances of gastric ulceration increases if you take medicines like corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Long term use, alcohol, smoking and old age are few other factors which can increase the chances of ulceration.

What is the difference between Hycam and naproxen?

Both Hycam and naproxen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, gastric side effects are lesser with naproxen as compared to Hycam.

What is the difference between Hycam and ketoprofen?

Both Hycam and ketoprofen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown ketoprofen topical gel is better and effective as compared to Hycam. Ketoprofen gel also showed excellent tolerability.

Can Hycam lead to skin reactions?

Yes. Hycam is known to cause skin reactions which can be very severe such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. You should inform your doctor if you feel you have a mild rash and immediately discontinue the drug.

Is Hycam a blood thinner?

No. Hycam is not a blood thinner. It is a pain killer. It should be avoided in a patient with a bleeding disorder.

Is Hycam a muscle relaxant?

No. Hycam is not a muscle relaxant. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme.

Is Hycam a NSAID?

Yes. Hycam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Can Hycam be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Hycam can be taken with calcium channel blocker. NSAIDs have been observed to reduce the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drugs except calcium channel blockers (ref: White 2007)

Is Hycam a sulfa drug?

Hycam is a sulphur containing compound. Hycam can cause serious adverse events in sensitive individuals. It can cause severe skin reactions like Steven Johnson Syndrome. Do inform your doctor if you have any kind of allergies.

Can I use Hycam if I am a diabetic?

Hycam in a diabetic patient can only be taken only by consulting a doctor because these medicines have the propensity to cause renal failure when taken for a long period. Diabetes itself causes renal Hycam so taking piroxicam can lead to increased risk of renal failure by many folds.

Are there any alternatives of Hycam?

Yes. There are alternatives to Hycam. Pain killers are prescribed according to the disease condition. Consult your doctor before starting piroxicam or changing it to other medication.

How long does Hycam work?

Hycam is a long acting drug. Once the daily dose is enough for the relief of pain but it depends from person to person as the effectiveness of piroxicam increases when given for few weeks.

Can Hycam be used with methocarbamol?

Yes. Methocarbamol can be used with Hycam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Can Hycam be used along with dexamethasone?

No. Hycam should not be used with dexamethasone. They both increase each others toxicity. There is an increased risk of GI ulceration.

Can Hycam be used along with paracetamol?

Yes. Paracetamol can be used with Hycam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

What is the difference between Hycam and meloxicam?

Both Hycam and meloxicam are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, acute gastric side effects are lesser with meloxicam as compared to Hycam.

What is the difference between Hycam and tramadol?

Hycam is a COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) whereas Tramadol is a narcotic-like painkiller. Tramadol is a habit forming medicine.

Can you get high by using Hycam?

No. Hycam is not known to cause high. It is a non-narcotic painkiller.

Can I use Hycam for a migraine?

Hycam is not approved for the treatment of migraine. Research studies have shown that Hycam is effective in significantly decreasing the pain associated with migraine without aura.

Can you donate blood when on the medication with Hycam?

Yes. You can donate blood when on Hycam. Do inform your doctor before donating blood.

What are the contraindications for Hycam?

Contraindications to piroxicam are an allergy, bleeding tendency, duodenal/gastric/peptic ulcer, stomatitis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, upper GI disease, late pregnancy, cardiac disease, hepatic impairment, renal impairment.

Can Hycam be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Hycam is not approved for the treatment of menstrual cramps. Research studies have shown that piroxicam is quite effective in significantly decreasing the menstrual cramps.

Can Hycam be used in hypertension?

No. Hycam is not a medication to control hypertension. It is important to note that Hycam decreases the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication when given together. Inform your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive medications before starting Hycam.

Can I use Hycam if I am pregnant?

No. Hycam should not be taken in pregnancy. It causes premature closure of the ductus arteriosus which can lead to fetal heart failure and death of the baby.

Can I use Hycam if I have peptic ulcer disease?

No. Hycam is contraindicated in cases of active peptic ulcer disease. Hycam is known to cause gastric ulceration and bleeding.

Can I use Hycam if I have asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Is Hycam a narcotic?

No. Hycam is not a narcotic. It is a pain killer which acts on COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) enzyme to decrease the pain and inflammation.

What are the serious side effects of Hycam?

GI discomfort and, rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, serious skin side effects such as exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis, liver failure, renal damage.

Can Hycam be used with lithium?

No. Hycam should not be used with lithium. Hycam leads to an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. This is because of inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Consult and inform your doctor before starting this medication.

Can Hycam be used in the treatment of allergy?

No. Hycam is not a drug to treat allergy. It is a pain killer.