Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory analgesic, also referred to as NSAID. It reduces fever, pain and other inflammatory symptoms such as redness and swelling. Etoricoxib is used to relieve pain in arthritic conditions.

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory analgesic, also referred to as NSAID. It reduces fever, pain and other inflammatory symptoms such as redness and swelling. Etoricoxib is used to relieve pain in arthritic conditions.

What is Etoricoxib?

When is Etoricoxib used?

How is Etoricoxib used?

What doses are available?

What are the side effects of Etoricoxib?

When not to use Etoricoxib?

Can Etoricoxib be used in combination with other medicines?

Where can I buy Etoricoxib?

Can I buy Etoricoxib without a prescription?

Sources

Etoricoxib a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and belongs to a class of medicines called selective COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors reduce inflammation and have less chance of side effects in the gut than other NSAID painkillers.

Etoricoxib is used to relieve arthritis symptoms such as:

• Joint pain. For example due to overuse, causing a tennis elbow, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI).
• Gout. An acute and disabling inflammatory arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually affecting the big toe.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints of the body​.
• Bechterew’s disease. Inflammation of the tendon insertions, especially in the pelvis and spinal column.

Etoricoxib is sometimes also prescribed to relieve pain from dental procedures.

Etoricoxib reduces symptoms such as pain, swelling and redness. It also eases morning stiffness. You should start to feel less pain within an hour of taking Etoricoxib. Other symptoms are reduced within a few days or weeks.

It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor when using Etoricoxib. The general guidelines for use are as follows:

• Etoricoxib tablets should be taken at the same time each day with some water and swallowed whole.
• They can be taken with or without food. This medicine is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach, it is best to take the tablet with or after meals to avoid stomach distress.
• Forgot to take a dose? If less than eight hours have passed, you can still take the dose. If more than eight hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take the next scheduled dose as normal. Never take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.
• Limit or stop drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as this is likely to trigger or worsen side effects.
• If you experience side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness, stay out of traffic and do not operate heavy machinery.

For more information on how to use the Etoricoxib, see the package leaflet.

Etoricoxib is available in tablets of 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg. Strength, length of treatment and daily dose must be determined by a doctor. The general guidelines for use are as follows:

• Adults and adolescents aged 16 and above: 30 to 120 mg once daily, depending on the condition.

If the prescribed dose is too strong or isn't alleviating the problem, a doctor can adjust the dose as necessary. This medicine is not suitable for use in children and adolescents under 16 years of age. For more information on the dosage of Etoricoxib, see the package leaflet.

Medicines can cause side effects, although some people may not experience any. The side effects that are known to be associated with Etoricoxib include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or flatulence.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Oedema (fluid retention).
• Palpitations.
• Raised blood pressure.
• Tiredness.
• Respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms.

For a complete list of possible side effects, see the package leaflet. Consult a doctor if these or other side effects are severe. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, chest pain or other severe side effects.

Etoricoxib is not suitable for everyone This painkiller should not be used if:

• You are allergic to the active ingredient etoricoxib, any other ingredient in this medicine, or other NSAIDs.
• Previous use of an NSAID triggered severe side effects.
• You have an active peptic ulcer or bleeding in the gut.
• You have severely decreased liver or kidney function.
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You suffer from or have a history of cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure, angina pectoris, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke).
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• You have had bleeding or ulceration in the stomach or intestines.
• You are currently taking other NSAID painkillers (e.g. diclofenac or aspirin).
• You have a history of high blood pressure or kidney or liver disease.
• You have an increased risk of heart problems due to diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking.
• You are older than 65 years of age.
• You are trying to get pregnant. This medicine affects fertility in women.

For a complete list of warnings, see the package leaflet. Always consult a doctor if you are unsure whether Etoricoxib is suitable for you.

Are you currently taking any medications? Some medicines may influence the effects of Etoricoxib. Etoricoxib is known to interact with:

• Certain anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin).
• Certain antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin).
• Certain heart medications (e.g. digoxin).
• Certain immunosuppressants (e.g. ciclosporin and methotrexate).
• Certain hormone medications (e.g. contraceptive pills).
• Certain bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol).
• Other NSAID-type painkillers.

For a complete list of medicines that may interfere with the way Etoricoxib works, please see the package leaflet. Your doctor will also have a list of medicines that you should avoid mixing Etoricoxib with.

Etoricoxib is only available at pharmacies or online pharmacies.

Etoricoxib is a prescription-only medicine. This means you need a prescription from a registered doctor to obtain it.

Dutch Drug Evaluation Committee. (n.d.). Etoricoxib Mylan 60 mg, film-coated tablets. Medicines Database. Consulted on 31 May 2021 on https://www.geneesmiddeleninformatiebank.nl/nl/rvg115515

Royal Dutch Pharmaceutical Society. (2020, 18 August). Etoricoxib. Apotheek.nl. https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/etoricoxib#

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). (2015, 17 March). Analgesics. LUMC.nl. https://www.lumc.nl/patientenzorg/praktisch/patientenfolders/pijnstillers

Dutch National Health Care Institute. (2021, 22 April) Etoricoxib. FK-online. https://www.farmacotherapeutischkompas.nl/bladeren/preparaatteksten/e/etoricoxib#