Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that serves to relieve pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis., or arthritis due to gout.
In relieving pain and swelling, this drug works by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which are compounds that the body releases when it is injured and causes inflammation.
Different from NSAIDs which work to inhibit the production of prostaglandins through the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways, etoricoxib specifically works through the COX-2 inhibitor pathway, so it has a lower risk of causing side effects of stomach ulcers, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers.
Trademarks of etoricoxib: Arcoxia, Coxiloid, Coxiron, Etoricoxib, Etorix, Etorvel, Lacosib, Orinox, Soricox
What is Etoricoxib
| group | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and arthritis due to gout. |
| Consumed by | Adults and children > 16 years old |
| Etoricoxib for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. For pregnant women and nursing mothers, do not use etoricoxib without consulting a doctor. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib should not be used carelessly. Note the following points before you take etoricoxib:
- Do not take etoricoxib if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of asthma, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer, colitis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, edema, high cholesterol, or hypertension.
- Be careful using etoricoxib if you have impaired liver function, kidney problems, Crohn's disease, blood clotting disorders, and lack of body fluids due to dehydration.
- Be careful taking etoricoxib if you are an active smoker or are elderly.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking etoricoxib before taking any medical action.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Do not give etoricoxib to children under 16 years of age.
- If you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using etoricoxib, see your doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Etoricoxib
The following are the doses of etoricoxib for adults that doctors generally recommend:
- Condition: Ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis
Dosage: 60–90 mg, once daily.
- Condition: Osteoarthritis
Dosage: 30–60 mg, once daily.
- Condition: Acute arthritis due to gout
Dosage: 120 mg, once daily, with a maximum duration of treatment of 8 days.
- Condition: Pain and inflammation after dental surgery
Dosage: 90 mg, once daily, with a maximum treatment duration of 3 days.
How to Take Etoricoxib Correctly
Be sure to take etoricoxib according to the doctor's recommendations or the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Etoricoxib can be taken before and after meals. However, it is recommended to take this medicine before eating, so that the medicine can start working faster.
It is recommended to take etoricoxib at the same time every day, in order to get the maximum benefit of the drug and prevent forgetfulness.
If you forget to take etoricoxib, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store the medicine in a cool and dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Etoricoxib Interactions with Other Drugs and Ingredients
The following are some of the risks that may occur if you use etoricoxib together with certain medicines:
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
- Increased risk of side effects of lithium, methotrexate, or birth control pills
- Decreased effectiveness of diuretic or antihypertensive drugs
- Decreased renal function if used concomitantly with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II . antagonist drugs
- Decreased effectiveness of etoricoxib when taken with rifampicin
Side Effects and Dangers of Etoricoxib
Some of the side effects of etoricoxib that can occur are:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Esophagitis
- Stomach pain
- Gastric pains
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Swelling of the legs, wrists and soles of the feet
- Hypertension
- Dizzy
- Ulcer
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Heart beat
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain
- Vomiting blood
- Stools are black or contain blood spots
- Yellowish eyes or skin or jaundice