Etoricoxib

What is Etoricoxib used for?

Etoricoxib (brand name Arcoxia) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme responsible for producing inflammatory prostaglandins. It relieves pain and swelling in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gouty arthritis, and is also used for acute pain such as dysmenorrhea. Compared with traditional NSAIDs it is designed to reduce GI side effects, though cardiovascular risk still needs attention.

How to take Etoricoxib and adjust the dose

Osteoarthritis: 30mg once daily, may be increased to 60mg once daily if needed. Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 60mg once daily; may be increased to 90mg once daily if symptom relief is insufficient, then reduced back to 60mg once stabilized. Acute gouty arthritis: 120mg once daily, for up to 8 days. Acute pain: 120mg once daily, typically for only a few days. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration; may be taken with or without food. (Confidence: fairly high, but confirm exact prescribing against the doctor's instructions and HK-registered product label)

Etoricoxib side effects

• Common: headache, dizziness, edema (especially legs), indigestion/GI upset, raised blood pressure
• More serious: GI ulcer or bleeding, abnormal liver function
• Rare and serious: heart attack, stroke, severe allergic reaction, severe skin reactions

Who should not take Etoricoxib?

• Contraindicated in history of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
• Contraindicated in severe heart disease (e.g. heart failure), prior heart attack or stroke
• Contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension
• Contraindicated in severe hepatic or renal impairment
• Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to this drug or other NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors