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Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taken as a film-coated tablet. It reduces pain and inflammation in several joint conditions and in acute gout. Treatment is intended for adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older.

Medicine containing Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

60 · 90 · 120mg

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory tablet for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gouty arthritis. It comes in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.67/ tabletView

Key points

  • Etoricoxib suppresses prostaglandin production by blocking the cyclo-oxygenase-2 pathway, with little effect on COX-1 at therapeutic doses.
  • Relief can begin about 24 minutes after a tablet, and one dose covers roughly 24 hours.
  • It should not be given to children under 16.

What Etoricoxib is used for

It is used for the symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and the pain and inflammation of acute gouty arthritis. In each of these, the aim is less joint pain and stiffness, so that everyday movement becomes easier. It sits among the options covered under pain management for these conditions.

How it works

Etoricoxib acts on the cyclo-oxygenase-2 enzyme, the pathway that produces prostaglandins. Blocking it lowers the prostaglandin signals that drive inflammation and pain. At therapeutic doses the medicine does not significantly affect COX-1, the related enzyme.

Forms and strengths

Etoricoxib comes as film-coated tablets in 60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg strengths. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Etoricoxib is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by people with active peptic ulceration or active gastrointestinal bleeding, severe hepatic dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, congestive heart failure, or established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, and anyone who is breastfeeding should confirm suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist first. Blood pressure needs regular checking while the medicine is taken.

Nausea, dizziness and peripheral oedema are common problems. Flatulence, raised transaminases and hypertension are also reported. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage and myocardial infarction are serious effects that need immediate medical attention. Etoricoxib interacts with warfarin, lithium and methotrexate, so tell your prescriber about any medicines you take.

What the sources say

  • Whether a selective COX-2 inhibitor is suitable depends on an assessment of the individual patient’s overall risks (emc).
  • Myocardial infarction and stroke become more likely as the dose and the length of exposure increase (emc).
  • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely with NSAIDs and some selective COX-2 inhibitors (emc).

Further reading

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