ARCOXIA 60MG TABLETS 28'S

ARCOXIA 60MG TABLETS 28'S

• Etoricoxib is one of a group of medicines called selective COX-2 inhibitors.
• These belong to a family of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is Etoricoxib used for :

• Etoricoxib helps to reduce the pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles of people 16 years of age and older with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout.
• Etoricoxib is also used for the short term treatment of moderate pain after dental surgery in people 16 years of age and older.

Do not use Etoricoxib :

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to etoricoxib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
• If you are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors 
• If you have a current stomach ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• If you have serious liver disease
• If you have serious kidney disease
• If you are or could be pregnant or are breastfeeding 
• If you are under 16 years of age
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Colitis
• If you have high blood pressure that has not been controlled by treatment (check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure whether your blood pressure is adequately controlled)
• If your doctor has diagnosed heart problems including heart failure (moderate or severe types), angina (chest pain)
• If you have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in legs or feet due to narrow or blocked arteries)
• If you have had any kind of stroke (including mini-stroke, transient ischaemic attack or TIA). Etoricoxib may slightly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke and this is why it should not be used in those who have already had heart problems or stroke.

Warnings and precautions

You  should let your doctor know that :

• You have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcers.
• You are dehydrated, for example by a prolonged bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
• You have swelling due to fluid retention.
• You have a history of heart failure, or any other form of heart disease.
• You have a history of high blood pressure. ETORICOXIB can increase blood pressure in some people, especially in high doses, and your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time.
• You have any history of liver or kidney disease.
• You are being treated for an infection. ETORICOXIB can mask or hide a fever, which is a sign of infection.
• You have diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker. These can increase your risk of heart disease.
• You are a woman trying to become pregnant.
• You are over 65 years of age.

How to use Etoricoxib :

• Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose for your condition.
• Your doctor will want to discuss your treatment from time to time.
•  Use the lowest dose that controls your pain .
• You should not take Etoricoxib for longer than necessary.
• This is because the risk of heart attacks and strokes might increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.

There are different strengths available for this medicinal product and depending on your disease your doctor will prescribe the tablet strength that is appropriate for you.

Recommended Dose :

Osteoarthritis : 

• The recommended dose is 30 mg once a day, increase to a maximum of 60 mg once a day if needed.
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.

Acute pain conditions : 

• Etoricoxib should be used only for the acute painful period.

Gout : 

• The recommended dose is 120 mg once a day which should only be used for the acute painful period, limited to a maximum of 8 days treatment.

Postoperative dental surgery pain

• The recommended dose is 90 mg once daily, limited to a maximum of 3 days treatment.

People with liver problems : 

• If you have mild liver disease, you should not take more than 60 mg a day.
• If you have moderate liver disease, you should not take more than 30 mg a day.

Use in children and adolescents :

Etoricoxib tablets should not be taken by children or adolescents under 16 years of age.

Elderly : 

• No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
• As with other medicines, caution should be exercised in elderly patients.

Method of administration :

• Etoricoxib is for oral use. Take the tablets once a day.
• Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food.

Possible side effects :

• Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following signs 
• shortness of breath, chest pains, or ankle swelling appear or if they get worse
• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) – these are signs of liver problems
• severe or continual stomach pain or your stools become black
• An allergic reaction- which can include skin problems such as ulcers or blistering, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing