Etoricoxib is used to help relieve pain and inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of your spine), osteoarthritis (a condition where joint surfaces are damaged, causing pain and stiffness of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of the fingers, wrist, feet, or ankles), or gouty arthritis (sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints).
It may also be used to treat pain associated with dental procedures and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Etoricoxib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dose and course of your treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
You may stop taking Etoricoxib when you have no more pain and inflammation.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Etoricoxib, other similar medicines for pain and inflammation such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active stomach ulcer or bleeding
- inflammation of the bowel
- heart diseases e.g. heart failure, heart attack
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- narrow or blocked arteries
- stroke
- severe liver disease
- serious kidney disease
as Etoricoxib may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Etoricoxib if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Etoricoxib may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach ulcer or bleeding
- risk factors for heart diseases e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels in the blood, smoking
- mild to moderate liver disease
- swelling due to fluid retention
- dehydration
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Etoricoxib to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Routine monitoring of your blood pressure may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Etoricoxib may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation, stomach wind, diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, mouth sore, tiredness.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- pass out bloody stools or black as tar, and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- ethinylestradiol (birth control pills)
- lithium (medicine to treat depression)
- methotrexate (medicine to treat inflammation of the joints or cancer)
- salbutamol (medicine for asthma)
- rifampicin (medicine for TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Etoricoxib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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