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Etoricoxib: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor (coxib-class) NSAID used for the relief of pain and inflammation in the following established indications: Osteoarthritis (OA) — for relief of joint pain…

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About Etoricoxib

Indications of Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor (coxib-class) NSAID used for the relief of pain and inflammation in the following established indications:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) — for relief of joint pain and stiffness.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — for relief of joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis — for relief of spinal and joint pain and inflammation.
  • Acute gouty arthritis — for short-term relief of pain and inflammation during an acute gout flare.
  • Acute pain, including short-term moderate pain following dental surgery.

Etoricoxib provides symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation; it does not alter the underlying course of the disease and is not a cure. It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with the individual patient's treatment goals, because of a dose- and duration-related cardiovascular thrombotic risk (see Precautions and Warnings).

Dosage & Administration of Etoricoxib

Adult Dose (by Indication)

IndicationRecommended DoseMaximum Duration
Osteoarthritis30 mg once daily; may be increased to 60 mg once daily if neededLong-term, at lowest effective dose
Rheumatoid arthritis90 mg once dailyLong-term, at lowest effective dose
Ankylosing spondylitis90 mg once dailyLong-term, at lowest effective dose
Acute gouty arthritis120 mg once dailyUp to 8 days
Acute pain / postoperative dental surgery pain90 mg once dailyUp to 3 days

The dose of 120 mg once daily should be used only for the labeled short-term, acute indications above and should not be exceeded.

Pediatric Dose

Etoricoxib is not recommended for patients under 16 years of age; safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. See Use in Special Populations.

Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is needed in patients with creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min. Etoricoxib is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).

Hepatic Impairment

Mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5–6): dose should not exceed 60 mg once daily. Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7–9): dose should not exceed 60 mg every other day, or 30 mg once daily may be better tolerated. Etoricoxib is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥10).

Administration

Etoricoxib tablets may be taken with or without food, swallowed whole with water. Etoricoxib may have a faster onset of effect when taken without food, which may be relevant for acute pain.

Side Effects of Etoricoxib

Most side effects of Etoricoxib are mild and reversible on discontinuation. Commonly reported effects include:

  • Cardiovascular: Hypertension (new-onset or worsening), palpitations, edema/fluid retention.
  • Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence; less commonly, peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding (lower incidence than with non-selective NSAIDs, but not absent — see Precautions).
  • Nervous system: Headache, dizziness.
  • Hepatic: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST).
  • General: Fatigue/asthenia, flu-like symptoms.

Serious but less common or rare reactions include gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding/perforation, hepatotoxicity (including rare hepatitis), acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia, severe hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome), atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke), consistent with the class-wide and drug-specific cardiovascular risk of Etoricoxib. Very rarely, confusion or hallucinations have been reported. Patients should seek prompt medical attention for signs of GI bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), unexplained rash, jaundice, marked swelling, or chest pain/shortness of breath.

Contraindications of Etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Etoricoxib or to any of its excipients.
  • History of bronchospasm, acute rhinitis, nasal polyps, angioedema, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs (including other COX-2 inhibitors).
  • Active peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
  • Congestive heart failure (NYHA Class II–IV).
  • Hypertension that is not adequately controlled (blood pressure persistently above 140/90 mmHg).
  • Established ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease (including patients who have had a myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary artery bypass graft, stroke, or transient ischemic attack).
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥10) or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Children and adolescents under 16 years of age.

Frequently Asked Questions about Etoricoxib

What is Etoricoxib used for?

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gouty arthritis, and acute pain such as short-term pain following dental surgery.

How should I take Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib is taken once daily by mouth, swallowed whole with water, with or without food. The dose depends on the condition being treated, ranging from 30 mg daily for osteoarthritis up to 90–120 mg daily for other conditions, with treatment for acute gout limited to 8 days and dental pain limited to 3 days. Always follow your physician's specific instructions and never exceed the prescribed dose or duration.

Can Etoricoxib be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

No. Etoricoxib is contraindicated during pregnancy, in women trying to conceive, and during breastfeeding. NSAIDs including Etoricoxib can cause serious harm to the fetus, particularly premature closure of a blood vessel in the fetal heart (ductus arteriosus) and reduced amniotic fluid, and it is not known to be safe for a nursing infant. Discuss safer pain-relief alternatives with your physician if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Who should not take Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib should not be taken by people with a known allergy to Etoricoxib or a history of asthma, hives, or allergic reactions triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs; those with active stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding; patients with inflammatory bowel disease; those with heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or other established heart or blood vessel disease; those with severe liver or kidney impairment; pregnant or breastfeeding women; and children/adolescents under 16 years of age.

What are the serious risks I should know about with Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib carries a risk of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can occur even without prior warning and increases with higher doses and longer use — this is why it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. It can also raise blood pressure, cause fluid retention, and, less commonly, cause stomach ulcers/bleeding or liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or slurred speech, black stools, vomiting blood, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Can Etoricoxib be taken with other medicines?

Etoricoxib can interact with blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), lithium, methotrexate, diuretics, blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors/ARBs), low-dose aspirin, and hormonal contraceptives, potentially increasing side effects or reducing the effectiveness of those medicines. Always tell your physician or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before starting Etoricoxib.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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