Etoricoxib: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Etoricoxib?

What is etoricoxib for?

Etoricoxib is a drug to reduce pain and swelling in the joints and muscles of people with osteoarthritis, rheumatism, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Etoricoxib is also useful in the treatment of moderate pain after dental surgery in the short term.

Etoricoxib is a group of selective COX-2 blocking drugs, which belongs to a family of drugs named nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). One of the most commonly used brands of the drug etoricoxib is Arcoxia.

How to use etoricoxib?

Always use etoricoxib exactly as directed by your doctor. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Young children and adolescents under 16 years of age should not use Arcoxia. Use Arcoxia orally once a day. Arcoxia can be taken before or after meals. Do not use more than the recommended dosage for your condition.

Your doctor will discuss your medication from time to time. It is important to use the lowest dose that controls pain and should not use Arcoxia for a longer time than necessary. This is because the risk of heart attack and stroke may increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.

How is etoricoxib stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Etoricoxib dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the etoricoxib dosage for adults?

• Etoricoxib dose for osteoarthritis: 60 mg once daily.
• Etoricoxib dose for liver disorders: mild (Child-Pugh score 5 or 6): 60 mg once daily; moderate (Child-Pugh 7-9): 60 mg daily. Avoid drugs in severe liver disorders (Child-Pugh ≥10).
• Etoricoxib dose for rheumatism: 60 mg once daily.
• Etoricoxib dose for acute gout: 60 mg once daily. Maximum duration: 8 days

What is the dose of etoricoxib for children?

There is no stipulation on the dosage of etoricoxib for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is etoricoxib available?

Etoricoxib is available in the following forms: tablets: 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg

Etoricoxib side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to etoricoxib?

Like all drugs, etoricoxib (Arcoxia) can cause side effects, although not all do. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should stop taking Arcoxia and consult your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• swollen ankles and getting worse
• yellowing of the skin and eyes - this is a sign of liver problems
• severe or persistent stomach pain or stools turning black
• allergic reactions - which can include skin problems such as ulcers or blisters, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that causes difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you want to know about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Etoricoxib Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using etoricoxib?

Before using Etoricoxib, tell your doctor if you:

• allergy (hypersensitivity) to etoricoxib or any Arcoxia ingredients
• allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors
• experiencing stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines at this time
• have serious liver disease
• have serious kidney disease
• are or may be pregnant or breastfeeding
• are under 16 years of age
• have inflammatory bowel disease, eg Crohn's disease, ulcer colitis or colitis
• the doctor has diagnosed heart problems including heart failure (moderate or severe), angina (chest tightness) or if he has had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in the leg due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries), or stroke of any kind (including mild stroke, transient ischemic attack or TIA)
• etoricoxib might slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and this is why it shouldn't be used in people who have had heart problems or strokes
• high blood pressure that has not been controlled by medication (check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure if your blood pressure is well controlled).

Is etoricoxib safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Animal studies have shown the detrimental effects of etoricoxib on pregnant women in the first and second trimesters. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies that have been conducted and there are not adequate studies in pregnant women.

Studies have also shown that etoricoxib will pose a risk to the fetus if used by pregnant women in the third trimester. However, the benefits of this drug in life threatening situations may outweigh the potential risks.

There is not sufficient research to determine the risk to the baby if the mother uses this medicine during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Etoricoxib Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with etoricoxib?

Although certain drugs should not be used simultaneously, in other cases two different types of drugs may be used simultaneously although interactions may occur. In this case, the doctor may want to change the dose, or other warnings may be necessary. If you are currently using this medication, it is important to tell your healthcare professional that you are using any of the following drugs. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of potential benefits and need not be too inclusive.

Using this medication with any of the following drugs is usually not recommended but may be necessary in some cases. If both drugs are prescribed simultaneously, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs:

• blood thinners (anticoagulants), eg warfarin
• rifampicin (antibiotic)
• methotrexate (a drug to suppress the immune system, and is often used in rheumatoid arthritis)
• drugs to help control high blood pressure and heart failure called ace inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, for example enalapril and ramipril, and losartan and valsartan
• lithium (a drug used to treat some types of depression)
• diuretics (water tablets)
• ciclosporin or tacrolimus (drugs to suppress the immune system)
• digoxin (a drug for heart failure and irregular heart rhythms)
• minodixil (high blood pressure medication)
• salbutamol (asthma medication) tablets or oral liquid, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy
• aspirin, the risk of stomach ulcers is higher if you are taking arcoxia with aspirin, which can be taken with low doses of aspirin. If you are currently taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, you should not stop taking aspirin until you talk to your doctor. Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs in high doses while taking arcoxia.

Can food or alcohol interact with etoricoxib?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medication with food, alcohol, or cigarettes.

What health conditions can interact with etoricoxib?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• have a history of bleeding or stomach ulcers
• dehydration, for example from persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• swelling from retaining too much fluid
• have a history of heart failure, or other types of heart disease
• have a history of high blood pressure. Arcoxia can increase blood pressure in some people, especially in high doses, and your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time.
• have a history of liver or kidney disease
• undergoing infection treatment. arcoxia can mask or hide fever, which is a sign of infection
• You are in a pregnant program
• You are an elderly person (over 65 years)
• have diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoke. This can increase the risk of heart disease

Etoricoxib overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.