Two medicines, side by side
Piroxicam vs ibuprofen
Piroxicam and ibuprofen are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of piroxicam since 1982 and of ibuprofen since 1974. Pharmacies paid $0.215 per piroxicam 20 mg capsule and $0.0573 per ibuprofen 800 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the piroxicam FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 19, 2026); the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026).
Highlights of the piroxicam record
Piroxicam (Feldene) · label of August 19, 2026
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
Used for
From the label: indicationsPiroxicam capsules are indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Piroxicam capsules are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) ( 1 ) Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 6, 1982
- Generic labelers
- 10 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.215 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the ibuprofen record
Ibuprofen (Advil) · label of January 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications■ temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: ■ headache ■ muscular aches ■ minor pain of arthritis ■ toothache ■ backache ■ the common cold ■ menstrual cramps ■ temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 19, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 245 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0573 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 40
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Piroxicam label of August 19, 2026, Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do piroxicam and ibuprofen differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: piroxicam since 1992; ibuprofen since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Piroxicam | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | Piroxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of piroxicam, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | The plasma half-life (t ½ ) for piroxicam is approximately 50 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | April 6, 1982 | September 19, 1974 |
| First generic approved | May 29, 1992 | February 8, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 10 labelers | 245 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.215 per capsule (Piroxicam 20 mg capsule) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -0.6% | -2% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 40 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 6,345 | 270,516 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Piroxicam label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of piroxicam with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Ibuprofen label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential for increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to piroxicam
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions