Etoricoxib: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Etoricoxib is a prescription pain and inflammation medicine of the COX-2 inhibitor (coxib) group. It is used to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout, and for short-term pain after dental surgery. It can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke, and can irritate the stomach, so it is used at the lowest dose for the shortest time.
Also known as: Etoricoxib tablet, Etoricoxib 60 mg, Etoricoxib 90 mg, Etoricoxib 120 mg, Etoricoxib IP, Arcoxia, Etoshine
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Etoricoxib work?
Etoricoxib mainly blocks the COX-2 enzyme, which makes the prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling and heat in inflamed joints. Because it acts less on COX-1, the enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining, it may upset the stomach less than some older NSAIDs, but it can still cause ulcers and bleeding.
How to take Etoricoxib
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Etoricoxib is taken once a day, and the strength that suits you depends on the condition. Your doctor decides the dose and for how long.
Side effects of Etoricoxib
Most people take etoricoxib without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Swelling of the ankles or feet from fluid retention
- Dizziness or headache
- High blood pressure or a pounding heartbeat
- Heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
- Tiredness or weakness
- Easy bruising
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or severe stomach pain (possible ulcer or bleeding). Get medical help at once
- Chest pain, breathlessness or weakness on one side of the body (possible heart attack or stroke). Call 112
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (severe allergic reaction). Call 112
- Skin rash, blistering or sores in the mouth (stop the medicine and see a doctor straight away)
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness (possible liver problems)
- Sudden weight gain, swollen legs or passing much less urine (fluid retention, heart or kidney problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking etoricoxib, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to etoricoxib or any ingredient, or past asthma, rash or allergy after aspirin or an NSAID
- An active stomach ulcer or bleeding
- Heart failure, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
- Established heart disease, a past stroke or blocked leg arteries
- Severe liver or kidney disease, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Under 16 years
- Heart and circulation: medicines of this group may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke; tell your doctor about heart disease, stroke, blood vessel disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking
- Blood pressure: it can raise blood pressure, so it needs to be controlled first and checked regularly
- Stomach: ulcers and bleeding can happen, more often in older people, with a past ulcer, or with aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Kidney, liver or heart failure problems, or dehydration
- Asthma or allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not to be used
- It is not a replacement for aspirin if a doctor has prescribed aspirin to protect the heart
- It may hide a fever or other signs of infection
Medicines and things that interact with Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including painkillers bought over the counter.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin: blood clotting tests may change and bleeding risk rises
- Blood pressure medicines, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and water tablets: they may work less well and the kidneys can be strained
- Aspirin: low-dose aspirin can be used together only if a doctor advises; the stomach risk rises
- Other NSAIDs: not recommended with etoricoxib
- Lithium: its blood level can rise
- Methotrexate: its blood level can rise
- Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement: their hormone levels can rise
- Rifampicin: can make etoricoxib work less well
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and kidney or liver problems. If someone has taken more than the label says, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient etoricoxib is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Etoricoxib was not found in the Schedule H text of the Drugs Rules 1945, so the schedule printed on the pack should be checked.
Type of medicine
Etoricoxib belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Etoricoxib
These medicines sold in India contain Etoricoxib. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Etoshine 90 · 90 mg tablet
What is Etoricoxib used for?
Medicines that contain Etoricoxib are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is etoricoxib used for?
Etoricoxib is a prescription medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout, and pain after dental surgery. It eases symptoms but does not treat the cause. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long.
How is etoricoxib different from other NSAIDs?
It mainly blocks COX-2, so it may upset the stomach less than some older NSAIDs, but it can still cause ulcers. It can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is not a stronger or better choice for everyone.
Can etoricoxib raise blood pressure?
Yes. Etoricoxib can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention. Blood pressure should be controlled before starting and checked regularly. Tell your doctor about swollen ankles, chest pain or breathlessness. Do not stop other prescribed medicines on your own.
Can I take etoricoxib with aspirin or other painkillers?
Only if a doctor advises it. Low-dose aspirin may be used together but raises the stomach risk, and other NSAIDs are not recommended with etoricoxib. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining painkillers.
Sources
- Arcoxia 90 mg film-coated tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK
- ATC/DDD Index: M01AH05 Etoricoxib. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule H: prescription drugs. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)