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

What are the serious side effects of Systacam?

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.

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

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 Systacam and nimesulide?

Both Systacam and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Systacam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas nimesulide is selective to the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of nimesulide is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to piroxicam. It should not be used in children below 12 years of age.

What is the difference between Systacam and meloxicam?

Both Systacam 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 Systacam.

Can I use Systacam 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.

Can Systacam be used with Tizanidine?

Yes, Systacam can be combined with tizanidine. Piroxicam is a pain killer and tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used in the condition like a backache.

Are there any alternatives of Systacam?

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

Can Systacam be used with methocarbamol?

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

Can Systacam be used along with paracetamol?

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

Can I use Systacam if I am pregnant?

No. Systacam 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.

Are Systacam and aspirin same?

No. Systacam and aspirin are not same. They belong to the same class of drugs known as COX (cyclooxygenase) inhibitors. They both are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Systacam?

Yes. Systacam can be combined with beta-cyclodextrin. Research has shown that combining Systacam with beta-cyclodextrin leads to faster onset of action of piroxicam and reduced gastric side effects.

What is the difference between Systacam and diclofenac?

Both Systacam and diclofenac are pain killers. However, piroxicam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas diclofenac has a bit more selectivity to a COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of diclofenac is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to Systacam.

Can Systacam be used with warfarin?

No. Systacam should be avoided with warfarin as they both lead to increase in bleeding tendencies. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications. If given together then the therapy should be monitored closely.

Is Systacam effective in back pain management?

Yes. It can be given for decreasing the back pain. However, you should consult your doctor for the exact cause of your back pain and then start the treatment. Do not self-medicate yourself with Systacam as the cause of back pain can be different for different person.

Is Systacam a NSAID?

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

Can Systacam be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Systacam 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)

Can I use Systacam if I am a diabetic?

Systacam 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 Systacam so taking piroxicam can lead to increased risk of renal failure by many folds.

Can Systacam be used along with dexamethasone?

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

Can Systacam be used in the treatment of allergy?

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

Can you get high by using Systacam?

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

Is Systacam a blood thinner?

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

Can Systacam be used in hypertension?

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

Is Systacam a muscle relaxant?

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

What is the difference between Systacam and tramadol?

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

What is the difference between Systacam and ketoprofen?

Both Systacam 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 Systacam. Ketoprofen gel also showed excellent tolerability.

How long does Systacam work?

Systacam 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 Systacam be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Systacam 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 Systacam be used with lithium?

No. Systacam should not be used with lithium. Systacam 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.