Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that belongs to the COX-2 inhibitor group of medicine. As compared to other conventional NSAIDs, Etoricoxib Tablet is the most effective medication. It reduces swelling and pain in illnesses including gout, ankylosing spondylitis, persistent low back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. This medication is also advised for people with minor pain following dental surgery. The medicine works by preventing the production of particular chemical messengers that cause inflammation and redness.

In addition, unlike other NSAIDs, this medicine doesn't seriously harm the stomach. As a result, this medication is frequently prescribed.

What are the uses of Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib is a pain reliever medication. It relieves pain, stiffness, and swelling brought on by several ailments, including ankylosing spondylitis (which causes pain and stiffness in the spine's bones), osteoarthritis (which causes painful joints because the protective cartilage between two bones has worn down), rheumatoid arthritis (which causes swelling and pain in your body's small joints), etc. Etoricoxib shouldn't be used by anyone less than 16 years old, according to recommendations. In addition, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or breastfeeding a baby before using this drug.

How and when to take Etoricoxib?

There are injectable and tablet versions of Etoricoxib. As directed by your doctor, take Etoricoxib in an oral form. Etoricoxib can be administered intravenously by a medical practitioner. Etoricoxib should be used once a day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your condition-appropriate medication dosage will be recommended to you. For example, Osteoarthritis patients often receive a prescription for 30 mg once a day. However, the dosage can be extended to 60 mg if necessary. Read the printed manufacturer's information leaflet inside the package before taking Etoricoxib. It will provide further details about the medications and a comprehensive list of any negative effects you can encounter if you take them.

After taking a sip of water, consume the pills. You can take medicine with or without food. However, taking it without food may help the medication to act more rapidly. Try to take your pills simultaneously each day to make it simpler to remember to take them.

What are the side effects of Etoricoxib?

Individuals may experience the following side effects:

• Stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
• Feeling dizzy or worn out.
• Diarrhoea or constipation.
• Ankle swelling, fluid retention, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, bruises, headaches, and flu-like symptoms are just a few of the symptoms that might occur.

You should immediately stop taking Etoricoxib and seek medical treatment if you encounter any of the less frequent but potentially dangerous symptoms listed below:

• Breathing problems, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Any indicators of an allergic response, such as swelling around your lips or face or a severe itching skin rash.
• If you experience excruciating stomach pains, black stools, blood in your vomit, or bleeding when you urinate.

What precautions should be taken?

• If you have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcer, liver or kidney problems, dehydration due to prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, or oedema due to fluid retention, let your doctor know before using Etoricoxib.
• If you have untreated or unmanaged high blood pressure, let your doctor know since Etoricoxib can potentially raise blood pressure in some individuals.
• If you are receiving treatment for an illness, avoid using Etoricoxib since it might make the fever worse.
• If you smoke, have diabetes, or have high cholesterol, you should not use Etoricoxib since it might raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.
• After taking Etoricoxib, avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes.
• Etoricoxib should not be taken by anyone who has suffered a heart attack or a stroke.
• This medication is never administered to pregnant women unless it is necessary. Before using this medication, speak to your doctor about all the risks and advantages. Your doctor may suggest a less risky option depending on your current health.

What if I miss the dose or have an overdose of Etoricoxib?

As soon as you remember, take the missed dosage of the medicine. You should omit the next planned dosage if the missed dose falls at that time. Don't take a double dosage to make up for a missing one.

Stomach pain, nausea, breathing problems, and even coma are all possible overdose symptoms. If you think you might have taken too much, immediately get emergency help.

What are the storage conditions for Etoricoxib?

• Keeping any drugs out of children's sight and reach is important.

• Keep away from direct heat and light in a cool, dry area.

• Do not retain expired or unneeded medications and properly dispose of them.

Interactions with other medicine

Interactions with other medications:

• Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus
• Diuretics
• Antibiotics like Rifampicin
• Oral hormonal birth control pills
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Lithium - a medicine used to treat mania
• Using Etoricoxib together with Aspirin increases your chance of developing stomach ulcers.

How quickly does Etoricoxib show results?

A single dose of Etoricoxib will begin to reduce pain within an hour, but repeated doses over a few weeks will cause it to become more effective in reducing inflammation.

Comparison of an Etoricoxib medicine with a Naproxen

FAQs

1. What is Etoricoxib used for?

Etoricoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute gouty arthritis.

2. How does Etoricoxib work?

Etoricoxib works by inhibiting the action of certain enzymes (COX-2) responsible for producing prostaglandins, which play a role in inflammation and pain. By reducing prostaglandin levels, Etoricoxib helps alleviate pain and inflammation.

3. Can Etoricoxib be used for acute pain?

Etoricoxib is primarily prescribed for chronic conditions associated with pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is not typically used for managing acute pain.

4. What are the common side effects of Etoricoxib?

Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, edema, and gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion. Serious side effects are rare but can include gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and liver problems.

5. Can Etoricoxib be taken with food?

Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

References:

https://patient.info/medicine/etoricoxib-for-pain-and-inflammation-arcoxia#nav-5 https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9317/pil#gref

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.