Etoricoxib
Introduction To Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib is a pain-relieving medicine used for relieving moderate pain and swelling of joints associated with different forms of gout and arthritis. It alleviates pain, redness, and swelling in cases following surgery or in cases where oral administration is not possible.
Etoricoxib is generally administered by a healthcare professional. The dose and duration will depend on what you are taking it for and how well it helps your symptoms. You should use it regularly and should not discontinue using the medicine until your doctor tells you it is alright to stop.
The most common side effects of this medicine include injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, and swelling), edema, dizziness, headache, irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, and increased blood pressure. These are not usually serious but if you are worried, ask your doctor about ways of reducing or preventing them. It may also cause dizziness and fatigue. You should not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have a history of stomach ulcers, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease. Let your doctor also know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Heavy drinking can cause excessive drowsiness.
Uses of Etoricoxib
- Pain relief
Benefits of Etoricoxib
Pain relief
Etoricoxib is used for short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling
in conditions that affect joints and muscles. It works by blocking chemical
messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. It can help relieve pain in
conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis or even after a dental
(tooth-related) surgery.
Take it as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more or for longer than needed as that can be dangerous. In general, you should take the lowest dose that works, for the shortest possible time. This will help you to go about your daily activities more easily and have a better, more active, quality of life.
Side effects of Etoricoxib
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Etojet
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
How to use Etoricoxib
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Etoricoxib works
Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).
Quick tips
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Etoricoxib helps relieve pain and inflammation.
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It may cause fewer stomach problems as compared to other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
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It may cause dizziness and fatigue. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
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Do not consume alcohol while on treatment with this medicine as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
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Regularly monitor your blood pressure while taking this medicine, particularly in the first two weeks after starting treatment.
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Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach ulcers, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease.
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During long-term treatment, your doctor may want to take regular blood tests to monitor your liver function.
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Do not take Etoricoxib if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etoricoxib if I’m pregnant?
Etoricoxib may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Etoricoxib if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Etoricoxib during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Etoricoxib safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Etoricoxib. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Etoricoxib?
Etoricoxib may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Etoricoxib if I have/had kidney diseases?
Etoricoxib should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Etoricoxib may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Etoricoxib is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Etoricoxib if I have/had liver diseases?
Etoricoxib should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Etoricoxib may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Etoricoxib is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do I need to take Etoricoxib?
You need to take Etoricoxib as long as your doctor recommends taking it. For dental pain, it is usually prescribed for 3 days, but if it is being used for acute pain conditions then it should be given as long as the pain lasts and not exceeding 8 days. Usually, for arthritis, it is prescribed for long-term use, which may vary from person to person.
Q. How should Etoricoxib be taken?
Take Etoricoxib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine without food can enhance the working of the medicine. Furthermore, do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor.
Q. Does Etoricoxib cause sleepiness?
In some patients Etoricoxib causes sleepiness, feeling of spinning (vertigo), and dizziness. If one experiences these symptoms then driving or operating machinery should be avoided.
Q. Does Etoricoxib have any effect on birth control pills?
Taking Etoricoxib with birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy may increase the chances of side effects. Hence, consult the doctor who will suggest an alternative method of birth control.
Q. Can I take aspirin while taking Etoricoxib?
Aspirin can be taken in low doses when you are using it for the prevention of stroke and heart attack. You should not stop low-dose aspirin without talking to your doctor. It is advised that while taking Etoricoxib you should not take high doses of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines, as they may increase your risk of stomach ulcers.
Q. How long does Etoricoxib take to work?
Pain relief has been observed after about 4 hours of starting Etoricoxib. Full effect may take a little longer and may vary from person to person.
Q. Is Etoricoxib a painkiller?
Yes, Etoricoxib is a pain killer. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. It is also used to relieve dental pain after dental surgery.
Q. Is Etoricoxib bad for kidneys?
People with impaired kidney function or with severe heart failure or severe liver problems (liver cirrhosis) need to be careful while taking Etoricoxib since the medicine can further impair the function. The uncommon side effects of Etoricoxib related to kidneys include proteins in urine, serum creatinine increased, and kidney failure.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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