Etoricoxib
About Etoricoxib
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 patients 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. Thus Etoricoxib effectively helps to manage pain in various conditions.
Etoricoxib will be administered by a healthcare professional, 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). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking the Etoricoxib, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. 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. And also inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
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)
- Injection site reactions
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 smoke, have diabetes (high blood sugar), or have 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 (e.g. warfarin and aspirin), antibiotic (e.g. rifampicin), immunosuppressant (e.g. methotrexate), antihypertensives (e.g. enalapril, ramipril, losartan), diuretics, antiarrhythmic drug (e.g. digoxin), antiasthmatic drug (e.g. salbutamol) and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease interactions: Etoricoxib may interact with various disease conditions including 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
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Etoricoxib is not advisable.
Pregnancy
cautionEtoricoxib should not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Etoricoxib.
Breast Feeding
cautionCaution should be exercised. Etoricoxib should not be used in nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Etoricoxib.
Driving
cautionEtoricoxib may cause dizziness. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Etoricoxib.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Etoricoxib if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Etoricoxib may alter liver function. So, dose adjustments are necessary for patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Etoricoxib if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history. Etoricoxib 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
Maintain a healthy body weight because obesity can lead to joint pain. Please avoid strenuous exercise as it may aggravate your arthritis-related joint pain. Instead, you can stretch and engage in low-impact aerobic exercises such as treadmill walking, biking, and swimming. Lifting light weights can also help to improve your muscle strength.
Increase your intake of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, vitamin sD, and calcium-rich supplements. Aside from that, turmeric and fish oils can help to reduce tissue inflammation.
Include fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines in your diet if you have arthritis or joint pain. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the reduction of inflammation (redness and swelling) and the protection of the heart.
Your sitting posture is critical, especially if you suffer from pain or inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short period of time (10-15 min). To alleviate pain, place a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve. In addition, if necessary, a footrest can be used.
Follow heat or cold therapy by applying a cold or hot compress to the joints on a regular basis for 15-20 minutes.
Relax by meditating, reading, taking a nice bubble bath, or listening to calming music.
Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
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 is used to treat Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Gout.
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.
Etoricoxib is not recommended for the longer term, especially in higher doses, as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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 reliever that helps in the relief of pain and inflammation associated with joint disorders. However, taking it without the advice of a doctor is not advised.
Inform your doctor before taking the Etoricoxib if you are going to take any immunizations/vaccinations. Your doctor will decide.
