Etoricoxib
Description
Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory medication that provides relief from pain, s
welling, stiffness, and inflammation caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It is also prescribed for short-term management of acute pain resulting from other medical issues. This medicine belongs to the NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) class, and it is specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, known for its targeted action in reducing inflammation. Etoricoxib works by blocking the release of prostaglandins—the chemicals responsible for pain, swelling, and redness. By reducing prostaglandin levels, Etoricoxib helps improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and provide overall pain relief, thereby enhancing quality of life. Etoricoxib should always be taken exactly as your doctor instructs. It is generally recommended to be taken with or after meals to prevent stomach irritation, though taking it without food may lead to faster relief. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or extend treatment duration without medical advice. Children under 16 years of age should not be given this medication.
Uses
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout pain (sudden, painful swelling of the joints. It is caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint)
- Osteoarthritis (disease of the joints where there is gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the bone ends)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (swelling and pain in the spine)
- Acute musculoskeletal pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Relief of pain and swelling
Contraindications
When should one not use Etoricoxib
- If you are allergic to Etoricoxib or NSAIDs including Aspirin and COX-2 Inhibitors
- If you are about to undergo a major surgery like heart surgery or blood vessel surgery
- If you have heart disease like heart attack, peripheral arterial disease or have undergone bypass surgery
- If you have a stomach ulcer
- If you have bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- You have severe liver disease or kidney disease
- If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, history of heart attack, chest pain or stroke
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- If you are allergic to Etoricoxib or NSAIDs including Aspirin and COX-2 Inhibitors
- If you are about to undergo a major surgery, like heart surgery or blood vessel surgery
- If you have heart disease like heart attack, peripheral arterial disease or have undergone bypass surgery
- If you have a stomach ulcer
- If you have bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- You have serious liver disease or kidney disease
- If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, history of heart attack, chest pain or stroke
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Etoricoxib during pregnancy?
A:
Etoricoxib must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or you think you could be pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy, do not take the tablets.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Etoricoxib while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not known whether it can pass into breast milk and harm the child. Hence a doctor’s discretion is necessary before you start Etoricoxib.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Etoricoxib?
A:
No Information is available on effect on driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Etoricoxib?
A:
Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Etoricoxib. Etoricoxib and alcohol consumption increase the risk of bleeding from stomach and intestine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- High blood pressure
- History of liver or kidney problems
- Asthma
- Diarrhea
- History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
- You have high cholesterol or if you are a diabetic person or if you are a smoker. These can increase your risk of heart disease
- You are a woman trying to be pregnant
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Etoricoxib reduces pain and inflammation by blocking the enzyme responsible for pain and joint inflammation in the body.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Water pills (Diuretics)
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Antibiotics like Rifampicin
- Oral hormonal birth control pills (the combination may increase your risk of side effects)
- Lithium - a medicine used to treat mania
- Methotrexate, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus
- The risk of stomach ulcers is higher if you take Etoricoxib with Aspirin
Interactions with food items
No interactions with food have been reported.
Dosage
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain, nausea, breathing difficulty and even coma. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If the missed dose falls at the time of your next scheduled dose, then skip it. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I keep in mind while taking Etoricoxib?
A: Inform your doctor if you have any infection because this medicine can mask the symptoms of a severe infection. Weight control and regular exercise can increase muscle strength and reduce the load on joints. Use support devices. These little things may reduce your need for painkillers.
Q: When and how to consume this medicine?
- You must take it exactly the way the physician prescribes it
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label
- Do not alter the dose unless your doctor recommends it.
- Do not take it longer or shorter than advised.
- Using it longer than advised can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- It can be taken before or after food
Q: What are the common side effects of Etoricoxib?
- Common side effects can include:
- Stomach discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Swelling of the legs or ankles (fluid retention/edema).
- Increased blood pressure.
- Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cold, cough).
- If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Q: Are there any warnings or conditions that mean I should NOT take Etoricoxib?
- Do NOT take Etoricoxib and inform your doctor if you have:
- An allergy to Etoricoxib, aspirin, or any other NSAID.
- A stomach ulcer or bleeding in your stomach/intestines.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- A history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
- Severe liver or kidney disease.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
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The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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