Etoricoxib is a drug to relieve pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis , or arthritis due to gout ( gout ).
Etoricoxib belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) class of drugs. This drug works by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme needed to produce prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. By inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, pain and symptoms of inflammation such as swelling and redness will be reduced.
Etoricoxib trademarks: Arcoxia, Coxiloid, Coxtor, Etoricoxib, Etorix, Etorvel, lacosib, Orinox, Simcox, Soricox, Sikstop
What is Etoricoxib
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Relieves pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis , and arthritis due to gout . |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Etoricoxib for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C for gestational age ≤ 30 weeks: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used in the lowest doses and if the doctor assesses the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Category D for >30 weeks of gestation: There is evidence that the ingredients pose a risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation. It is not yet known whether etoricoxib is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib should not be used carelessly. Pay attention to the following things before you take etoricoxib:
- Do not take etoricoxib if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not give etoricoxib to children under 16 years of age.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have peptic ulcers, such as stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers ; intestinal inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding .
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently having heart failure , heart attack, angina pectoris , peripheral arterial disease, stroke , or transient ischemic attack ( TIA ).
- Tell your doctor if you have hypertension, diabetes , high cholesterol, left ventricular hypertrophy , or have had heart bypass surgery .
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding disorders, or lupus .
- Consult your doctor about using etoricoxib in people over 65 years of age.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke or have difficulty cutting down before using etoricoxib.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after taking
Dosage and Rules for Use Etoricoxib
The dose of etoricoxib will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition, age, and response to the drug. The following are etoricoxib dosages for adults:
-
Conditions: Ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis
. The dose is 60 mg, once a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 90 mg once a day. -
Conditions: Osteoarthritis
Dose 30 mg, once a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 60 mg once a day. -
Conditions: Attacks of gout
Dosage 120 mg, 1 time a day with a maximum treatment duration of 8 days. -
Conditions: Pain and inflammation after dental surgery.
Dosage of 90 mg, once a day with a maximum treatment duration of 3 days.
How to Take Etoricoxib Properly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking etoricoxib. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
If the pain or inflammation is chronic, you may need to take etoricoxib long-term. The doctor will ask you to control regularly during treatment, to adjust the dosage of the drug to your condition.
If the pain does not last long, the use of etoricoxib can be stopped when the pain has not reappeared. Discuss with your doctor about the time period for using etoricoxib that is right for you.
Take etoricoxib regularly at the same times every day. Etoricoxib can be taken before or after meals. However, it is recommended to take this drug before eating so that the drug can work more quickly.
Swallow the etoricoxib tablets whole with the help of a glass of water without splitting, chewing or crushing them first.
If you forget to take etoricoxib, consume it immediately if the break with the next usage schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store etoricoxib in a dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep this drug out of reach of children.
Etoricoxib Interactions with Other Drugs and Substances
The following are some interactions between drugs that can occur when etoricoxib is used together with other drugs:
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant drugs , such as warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of diuretic drugs or antihypertensive drugs
- Increased risk of impaired renal function when used with ACE inhibitors , angiotensin II receptor blockers ( ARBs ), or adefovir
- Increased risk of ulcers or sores in the digestive tract when used with low doses of acetylsalicylic acid
- Increased risk of side effects from ethinylestradiol, lithium , methotrexate, salbutamol tablets, or minoxidil
- Decreased effectiveness of etoricoxib when used with rifampicin
Side Effects and Dangers of Etoricoxib
Some of the side effects of etoricoxib that can occur are:
- Nauseous vomit
- Heartburn , upset stomach, or indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the legs or feet
- Headache or dizziness
- Wheezing
- Difficulty sleeping ( insomnia )
- Drowsiness
- Worried
- Sprue
- Changes in taste on the tongue
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Blood pressure increases
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to a drug or experience an effect
- Gastric ulcers and bleeding, which is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, belching, nausea, which is accompanied by vomiting, bloody vomiting with dregs such as coffee grounds, or black bowel movements.
- Heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ), which are characterized by faster or slower heartbeats, a feeling of a vibrating heart, rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, cold sweats, blurred vision, dizziness, and fainting
- Kidney disorder, which is characterized by cloudy urine, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, swelling of the hands, feet or legs, fatigue, shortness of breath, and itchy skin
- Liver disorders , which are characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, easy bruising, and upper abdominal pain
- Heart failure, which is characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet or legs, sudden weight gain or loss, wheezing, or persistent cough that is worse at night