Etoricoxib
About
Etoricoxib belongs to a group of medications called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout in people greater than 16 years of age. Besides this, it is also used to treat moderate pain after dental surgery. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease in which the tissue supporting the joints wears down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks its tissue leading to joint pain and inflammation. Ankylosing spondylitis is the inflammation of the spine and large joints. Gout is characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints due to the deposition of uric acid crystals.
Etoricoxib contains ‘etoricoxib’, which works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger called prostaglandin, produced by COX-2, which is responsible for pain, swelling and inflammation. Etoricoxib acts at the affected area and acts specifically at the pain site. The benefit of COX-2 inhibitors is that they protect the stomach lining from the ulcer effect caused by other painkillers, ibuprofen and aspirin.
Etoricoxib is available in tablet form and injection. Take an oral form of Etoricoxib as advised by your doctor. A healthcare professional will give the injection form of Etoricoxib, do not self-administer. Common side-effects of Etoricoxib are stomach pain, dry socket, swelling of the legs, dizziness, headache, palpitations (pounding heart), increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, constipation, flatulence, gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), heartburn, diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia), nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe), mouth ulcers, general weakness and flu-like illness (fever, cold, cough, or sore throat).
Do not take Etoricoxib if you are allergic to etoricoxib, other pain killers or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if you have ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, severe liver and/or kidney impairment, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), uncontrolled blood pressure, or heart problems such as chest pain, heart attack or heart failure and stroke. Do not take it if you are under 16 years of age, pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are dehydrated (because of vomiting or diarrhoea), have oedema (swelling due to fluid retention), have an infection, diabetes (high blood sugar) and high cholesterol, are a smoker or have an age above 65 years.
Uses of Etoricoxib
Medicinal Benefits
Etoricoxib contains ‘etoricoxib’ which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It acts as both analgesic (reduces pain) and an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) agent. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins which are inflammatory mediators. The blocking of COX-2 reduces the production of prostaglandins, eventually decreasing pain and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Etoricoxib
- Stomach pain
- Dry socket (severe pain after tooth extraction)
- Swelling of the legs or feet due to fluid retention (oedema)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitations (pounding heart)
- Increased blood pressure
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach)
- Heartburn
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe)
- Mouth ulcers
- Changes in blood tests related to your liver
- Weakness
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Flu-like illness (fever, cold, cough, or sore throat)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Etoricoxib, inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcer, liver or kidney diseases, dehydration because of prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea and swelling due to fluid retention. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure that is not treated or controlled, as Etoricoxib may increase blood pressure in some cases. Do not take Etoricoxib if you are treated for infection, as Etoricoxib can mask fever (a sign of disease). Do not take Etoricoxib if you smoke, have diabetes (high blood sugar), or high cholesterol, as Etoricoxib increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Avoid lying down for at least half an hour after using Etoricoxib. People who have had heart attacks and strokes should not take Etoricoxib.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Etoricoxib may interact with anticoagulant (warfarin and aspirin), antibiotic (rifampicin), immunosuppressant (methotrexate), antihypertensives (enalapril, ramipril, losartan, valsartan, and minoxidil), diuretics, antiarrhythmic drug (digoxin), antiasthmatic drug (salbutamol) and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease interactions: Etoricoxib should be used with caution in patients with stomach ulcers or bleeding, severe kidney disease, liver diseases, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), uncontrolled blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and other heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol intake may increase the risk of heart problems when using Etoricoxib.
Pregnancy
unsafeEtoricoxib is a category C medicine. It shows toxic effects on the fetus when given to pregnant women. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Breast Feeding
cautionEtoricoxib should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers and only when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionEtoricoxib may cause dizziness. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Etoricoxib.
Liver
cautionEtoricoxib may alter liver function. So, dose adjustments are necessary for patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionEtoricoxib should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with severe renal impairment.
Children
unsafeEtoricoxib is not recommended for children below 16 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit foods high in sugar content.
- Do not take spicy, fried and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may monitor liver and kidney function if Etoricoxib is prescribed for the long term.
- Inform your doctor before taking the Etoricoxib if you had a history of a heart attack, bypass surgery or peripheral arterial disease.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the common type of arthritis in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones erodes due to wear and tear over time. Common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the joints and cause bone erosion leading to severe pain and swelling. It may lead to joint deformity if left untreated.
Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis in which inflammation is seen in the spine and large joints. It leads to pain and stiffness in the back and affected joints.
Gout: Gout is an inflammatory condition in which uric acid deposits and crystallizes in the joints. It is characterized by acute, severe and recurring attacks of pain, especially at night; redness and swelling in the affected joints.
FAQs
Etoricoxib contains ‘etoricoxib’, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzyme produces prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
You should not take Etoricoxib for the longer term, especially in higher doses, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Etoricoxib may cause dizziness. So, driving or operating heavy machinery is not advisable after taking Etoricoxib.
Etoricoxib is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age.
Etoricoxib may increase blood pressure, especially in high doses. It should not be given to patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, heart problems or recent heart surgeries.
Etoricoxib is a pain killer that helps to reduce pain and inflammation in joint disorder conditions. However, taking it without a doctor's advice is not recommended.
