Feldene 10mg Capsules

Manufacturer PFIZER Active Ingredient Piroxicam Capsules(peer OKS i kam) Pronunciation peer OKS i kam
WARNING: This drug may raise the risk of heart and blood vessel problems like heart attack and stroke. These effects can be deadly. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or risks for heart disease. However, it can also be raised even if you do not have heart disease or risks for heart disease. The risk can happen within the first weeks of using this drug and may be greater with higher doses or long-term use. Do not use this drug right before or after bypass heart surgery.This drug may raise the chance of severe and sometimes deadly stomach or bowel problems like ulcers or bleeding. The risk is greater in older people, and in people who have had stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding before. These problems may occur without warning signs. @ COMMON USES: It is used to treat some types of arthritis.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
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Drug Class
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
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Pharmacologic Class
Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibitor, Non-selective
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Pregnancy Category
Category C (first and second trimesters); Category D (third trimester and peripartum period)
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FDA Approved
Apr 1982
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Piroxicam is a medicine called an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. It's commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, which cause pain and swelling in the joints.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. Always take the medication with a full glass of water.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
  • Swallow capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open them.
  • Do not take more than the prescribed dose or for longer than recommended.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
  • Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking piroxicam before any surgery or dental procedures.
  • Be aware of potential sun sensitivity; use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
  • Report any unusual bruising or bleeding, black/tarry stools, or severe stomach pain immediately.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 20 mg orally once daily (for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
Dose Range: 10 - 20 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Osteoarthritis: 20 mg orally once daily, or 10 mg orally twice daily
Rheumatoid Arthritis: 20 mg orally once daily, or 10 mg orally twice daily
Acute Gout: 40 mg orally once daily for 2 days, then 20 mg orally once daily for 4-6 days
Primary Dysmenorrhea: 40 mg orally once daily for the first day, then 20 mg orally once daily for 4-5 days
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established (safety and efficacy not established; generally not recommended)
Adolescent: Not established (safety and efficacy not established; generally not recommended)
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor renal function
Moderate: Use with caution; consider lower doses and close monitoring of renal function
Severe: Contraindicated in advanced renal disease; avoid use
Dialysis: Not dialyzable; avoid use in patients on dialysis due to risk of adverse effects

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor liver function
Moderate: Use with caution; consider lower doses and close monitoring of liver function
Severe: Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of exacerbating liver dysfunction

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Its mechanism of action is believed to be due to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, primarily through the non-selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. This reduces the formation of prostaglandin precursors, which are involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Nearly 100%
Tmax: 3-5 hours
FoodEffect: Food slightly delays the rate of absorption but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.

Distribution:

Vd: 0.14 L/kg
ProteinBinding: >99% (primarily to albumin)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 50 hours (range 30-86 hours)
Clearance: Not readily available, but elimination is slow due to long half-life.
ExcretionRoute: Approximately two-thirds of the dose is excreted in the urine and one-third in the feces, primarily as metabolites.
Unchanged: <5% (in urine and feces)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within 1 hour (analgesic effect); several days to 2 weeks (anti-inflammatory effect)
PeakEffect: 3-5 hours (plasma concentration); 7-12 days (maximal anti-inflammatory effect)
DurationOfAction: 24 hours (due to long half-life, allowing once-daily dosing)

Safety & Warnings

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BLACK BOX WARNING

CARDIOVASCULAR THROMBOTIC EVENTS: NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk. Piroxicam is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. GASTROINTESTINAL RISK: NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.
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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Allergic Reaction: Rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Bleeding: Vomiting or coughing up blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, blood in the urine, black, red, or tarry stools, bleeding from the gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge, or uncontrollable bleeding.
Kidney Problems: Inability to urinate, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden significant weight gain.
High Potassium Levels: Abnormal heartbeat, confusion, weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling faint, numbness or tingling, or shortness of breath.
High Blood Pressure: Severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Shortness of Breath, Weight Gain, or Swelling: Sudden onset of shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Chest Pain or Pressure: Discomfort or tightness in the chest.
Neurological Symptoms: Weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, balance problems, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
Extreme Fatigue or Weakness: Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Ringing in the Ears: Tinnitus or ringing sounds in the ears.
Swelling: Unexplained swelling or edema.
Vision Changes: Changes in eyesight or vision.
Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, or body aches.
Liver Problems: Dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes. Liver problems can be life-threatening, so seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Severe Skin Reactions: Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands. These reactions can be life-threatening and may affect internal organs.

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience severe side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Gas: Bloating or gas.
Dizziness or Headache: Feeling lightheaded or experiencing headaches.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe stomach pain, black/tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (signs of GI bleeding)
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech (signs of heart attack or stroke)
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, or sudden weight gain (signs of fluid retention or kidney problems)
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting (signs of liver problems)
  • Skin rash, blistering, or peeling (severe skin reactions)
  • Unexplained weight gain or swelling
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Allergies to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
A history of asthma triggered by salicylate drugs, such as aspirin, or NSAIDs.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or kidney problems.
+ Heart failure (weak heart) or a recent heart attack.
Concurrent use of other NSAIDs, salicylate drugs like aspirin, or pemetrexed.
Fertility issues or ongoing fertility evaluation.
Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or suspected pregnancy. This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken after 20 weeks of gestation. If you are between 20 and 30 weeks pregnant, only take this medication under your doctor's guidance. Do not take this medication if you are more than 30 weeks pregnant.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Natural products and vitamins.
Existing health problems.

Verify with your doctor that it is safe to take this medication with your current medications and health conditions. Do not initiate, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

You should also have your blood pressure checked regularly, as directed by your doctor, since medications like this one can cause high blood pressure. Additionally, discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor before drinking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the potential risks.

To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended amount can increase your chances of experiencing adverse effects. Furthermore, do not take this medication for a longer period than specified by your doctor.

If you have asthma, consult your doctor, as you may be more sensitive to this medication. You may also experience easier bleeding, so it is crucial to be cautious and avoid injuries. To reduce the risk of bleeding, use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

The use of medications like this one can increase the risk of heart failure. If you already have heart failure, your risk of heart attack, hospitalization for heart failure, and death may be higher. Discuss these risks with your doctor. Additionally, people who have had a recent heart attack may have a higher risk of heart attack and heart-related death when taking medications like this one. In fact, studies have shown that individuals taking this type of medication after a first heart attack were more likely to die within the following year compared to those not taking the medication. Talk to your doctor about these risks.

If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, consult your doctor about potential interactions. Older adults (65 years and older) should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.

It is also important to note that NSAIDs, like this medication, can affect ovulation, which may impact fertility. However, this effect is reversible, and ovulation typically returns to normal once the medication is stopped. If you are trying to conceive, discuss this with your doctor.

Finally, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to assess the potential risks to your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Epigastric pain
  • GI bleeding
  • Rarely: hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, coma

What to Do:

There is no specific antidote for NSAID overdose. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Induce vomiting and/or administer activated charcoal (60 to 100 g in adults, 1 to 2 g/kg in children) and/or an osmotic cathartic in symptomatic patients seen within 4 hours of ingestion or with a large overdose. Ensure adequate hydration. Monitor vital signs, renal function, and liver function. Dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial due to high protein binding. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Aspirin (high dose, due to increased GI risk)
  • Other NSAIDs (due to increased GI and renal risk)
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery (peri-operative pain)
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Major Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin) - increased bleeding risk
  • Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Clopidogrel) - increased bleeding risk
  • SSRIs/SNRIs - increased GI bleeding risk
  • Lithium - increased lithium levels and toxicity
  • Methotrexate - increased methotrexate levels and toxicity
  • ACE Inhibitors/ARBs - reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
  • Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Thiazides) - reduced diuretic and antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment
  • Corticosteroids - increased GI ulceration/bleeding risk
  • Cyclosporine - increased nephrotoxicity
  • Tacrolimus - increased nephrotoxicity
  • Digoxin - increased digoxin levels (less common but possible)
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Moderate Interactions

  • Beta-blockers - reduced antihypertensive effect
  • Hydantoins (e.g., Phenytoin) - increased phenytoin levels
  • Sulfonylureas - altered blood glucose control
  • Cholestyramine - reduced piroxicam absorption
  • Alcohol - increased risk of GI irritation/bleeding
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Minor Interactions

  • Antacids - may slightly delay absorption but not clinically significant

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hematologic adverse effects (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia) which can occur with NSAID use.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Renal Function (Serum Creatinine, BUN, eGFR)

Rationale: To establish baseline renal function, as NSAIDs can cause dose-dependent renal toxicity.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin)

Rationale: To establish baseline liver function, as NSAIDs can cause elevated liver enzymes or, rarely, severe hepatic reactions.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Blood Pressure (BP)

Rationale: To establish baseline BP, as NSAIDs can cause new onset hypertension or worsen pre-existing hypertension.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

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Routine Monitoring

Renal Function (Serum Creatinine, BUN, eGFR)

Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with risk factors for renal impairment (e.g., elderly, heart failure, diuretic use) or on long-term therapy.

Target: Within patient's baseline or normal limits

Action Threshold: Significant increase in creatinine or decrease in eGFR; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST)

Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients on long-term therapy or with pre-existing liver conditions.

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: Significant elevation (e.g., >3x ULN); consider discontinuation.

Blood Pressure (BP)

Frequency: Regularly, especially in patients with hypertension or cardiovascular risk factors.

Target: Individualized target BP

Action Threshold: Sustained elevation above target; consider antihypertensive adjustment or NSAID discontinuation.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Frequency: Periodically for patients on long-term therapy.

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: Significant decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit or platelet count; investigate for GI bleeding or other hematologic issues.

Occult Blood in Stool

Frequency: Periodically for patients on long-term therapy, especially with GI risk factors.

Target: Negative

Action Threshold: Positive result; investigate for GI bleeding.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools; coffee-ground vomit; severe abdominal pain)
  • Signs of cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech)
  • Signs of renal dysfunction (decreased urine output, swelling in ankles/feet, unusual fatigue)
  • Signs of liver injury (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue)
  • Signs of allergic reactions/skin reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Sudden weight gain or swelling (edema)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Use should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester due to potential for premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and renal dysfunction in the fetus. Category C in first and second trimesters, Category D in third trimester.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Limited data, but potential for increased risk of miscarriage and cardiac malformations (though evidence is conflicting). Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk.
Second Trimester: Limited data, but generally considered lower risk than third trimester. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk.
Third Trimester: Contraindicated due to risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios.
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Lactation

Piroxicam is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. While the amount is small, due to the long half-life and potential for serious adverse effects in infants (e.g., cardiovascular, renal), it is generally recommended to use with caution or consider an alternative NSAID with a shorter half-life. Monitor infant for adverse effects.

Infant Risk: L3 (Moderately Safe) - Potential for adverse effects, but generally considered compatible with monitoring. Risk of GI, renal, or cardiovascular effects in infant.
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Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. Generally not recommended for routine use in children due to potential for serious adverse effects and lack of data.

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Geriatric Use

Elderly patients are at increased risk for serious adverse reactions to NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation, renal toxicity, and cardiovascular events. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Monitor closely for adverse effects, especially renal function and GI symptoms.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Piroxicam has a very long half-life (approximately 50 hours), allowing for once-daily dosing, but also means that steady-state concentrations are reached slowly (7-12 days) and adverse effects can persist for an extended period after discontinuation.
  • Due to its long half-life and higher risk of GI adverse events compared to other NSAIDs, piroxicam is generally not considered a first-line NSAID for chronic conditions, especially in the elderly.
  • Always advise patients to take piroxicam with food or milk to minimize GI upset.
  • Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of serious GI and cardiovascular adverse events and instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
  • Hydration status should be assessed, especially in patients at risk for renal impairment, as NSAIDs can exacerbate dehydration-induced renal dysfunction.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib)
  • Acetaminophen (for pain and fever, no anti-inflammatory effect)
  • Opioid analgesics (for severe pain, different mechanism, higher risk of dependence)
  • Corticosteroids (for severe inflammation, different mechanism, different side effect profile)
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for chronic inflammatory conditions like RA
  • Topical NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac gel) for localized pain
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely (e.g., $10 - $100+) per 30 capsules (10mg or 20mg)
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 or Tier 2 (for generic piroxicam); Tier 3 or higher (for brand Feldene)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.