Feldene is an oral, prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that you take for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, says Drugs.com. You will notice the therapeutic benefits of Feldene soon after you begin taking it, and its effectiveness in the relief of pain and the reduction of inflammation will steadily increase over the first 8 to 12 weeks of treatment.
Cardiovascular Effects
Taking Feldene may increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke, according to Drugs.com. These side effects become even more likely if you have cardiovascular disease when you start Feldene therapy or if you take Feldene for a prolonged period of time. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or slurring of speech.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Feldene therapy puts you at increased risk for stomach and intestinal problems such as ulcers, bleeding and perforation. According to Drugs.com, these adverse events may lead to hospitalization and can happen at any time during your treatment regimen. If you experience symptoms such as pain in the abdomen just below the sternum, painful or difficult digestion, black, tarry stools that contain digested blood, and vomiting of blood, see your doctor right away.
Anemia and Increased Bleeding Time
Drugs.com states that Feldene therapy may lead to anemia and increased bleeding time. If you are on long-term treatment with Feldene and you show signs of anemia, like fatigue or weakness, your doctor will monitor your hemoglobin and red blood cell count. In addition, Feldene can inhibit platelet aggregation so cuts and other breaks in the skin may bleed longer than is usual for you.
Skin Reaction
According to the Mayo Clinic, Feldene may cause serious skin reactions. Check with your doctor without delay if you have symptoms such as blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, itching, white spots in the mouth or on the lips, chills, fever, diarrhea, or unusual fatigue and weakness.
Severe Allergic Reaction
In some people, Feldene may cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, says the Mayo Clinic. You are more likely to have this reaction if you are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Anaphylaxis is sometimes life threatening and symptoms include very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, fainting, irregular heartbeat, hives and swelling around the eyes.
Vision Problems
The Mayo Clinic points out that you may experience blurred vision, impaired reading ability or other difficulties with your eyesight while you are taking Feldene or after your treatment regimen has ended. If this happens, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam.
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