Medicine Name – Etoricoxib
Generic Name – Etoricoxib
Marketed By – Austell
Storage – Store at room temperature
Strength – 90 mg, 120 mg
Dosage – Tablet
Packaging – Strip
Indication – Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, chronic lower back pain, acute pain, and Gout
Overview
Etoricoxib tablets belong to a class of medications known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This medication works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Do not take this medicine in the wrong way as it may lead to some serious side effects. It is advisable not to change your regular dosing schedule without taking suggestions from your doctor. If you experience any signs and symptoms while receiving this medicine, inform your doctor immediately. Etoricoxib tablets are not recommended in pregnant women. Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect it from moisture and heat.
Pharmacodynamics
Etoricoxib is a COX-2 selective inhibitor. Currently, this tablet is indicated to the patients for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, chronic lower back pain, acute pain, and Gout. Just like any other COX-2 selective inhibitor, Etoricoxib selectively works to inhibit isoform 2 of the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX-2) in order to reduce the generation of prostaglandins (PGs) from arachidonic acid. It is hence approved in more than 60 countries worldwide but not in the US.
Usage Of Medicine
Etoricoxib tablet is used to reduce the pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. It is available in the form of tablets for oral administration in the strengths of 90 mg and 120 mg. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The tablet should be swallowed as a whole with water, without breaking, chewing, or cutting it. Also, it is important to not skip a dose for better efficacy.
Interactions
Etoricoxib medicine may interact with other medications. Do not forget to discuss or disclose your previous medical history with your doctor.
Medicine Interactions
- Warfarin
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Lithium
- Ramipril
- Primaquine
Disease Interactions
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Fluid retention and edema
Alcohol Interaction
- Interaction with alcohol is unknown, please consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol.
Contraindications
- This medication is not recommended in patients with a known allergy to Etoricoxib.
- Do not use this medicine if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Side Effects
Following are the side effects of Etoricoxib tablet. Make sure to consult your doctor in case these or any other side effects occur.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands, and feet
- Difficult and painful breathing
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Flatulence
- Blurred vision
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Infections
Note – immediately contact your healthcare provider if any side effects occur
Dosage
Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or skip your regular dosing schedule.
Normal Dose
Etoricoxib tablet should be swallowed as a whole with water. It should not be crushed, chewed, or cut.
Missed Dose
Initially, it is advisable to not miss a dose. However, if such a case happens, make sure to consult your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for the same or guide you further.
Overdose
In case you experience symptoms of overdose, immediately call your doctor or any other medical emergency helpline.
Warnings And Precautions
Warnings
Administer Etoricoxib tablet cautiously if you have or ever had any of the following diseases:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disorders
- Hepatic failure
Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding
During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding, Etoricoxib tablet is not prescribed for use unless necessary. It is advisable to consult your doctor regarding the potential risks and benefits of this injection.
Driving
After taking Etoricoxib, side effects like blurred vision or tiredness may occur. Hence, it is advised to avoid any such activity that demands high concentration (including driving and operating heavy machinery).
Precautions
- Close monitoring of blood pressure is required during the treatment with this medication.
- Dose adjustment is required in patients who are suffering from diarrhea or dehydration.
- This medication may increase your risk of having infections.
- Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects like – dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, pale skin, nausea, etc.
- Use this medication with extreme caution in patients taking oral contraceptive medicines.
- Do not take this medicine if you have a history of heart disease.
Cautions
- Do not skip a dose.
- Do not overdose.
- Do not open or break the tablet.
- Not safe in pregnancy.
Things To Avoid
- Alcohol
- Driving
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw meat
