Why is this drug prescribed?

Arcoxia tablets contain the active ingredient etoricoxib, which is a type of medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

NSAIDs work by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in producing prostaglandins, in response to injury or certain diseases. These prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Because NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins, they are effective at relieving pain and inflammation.

Traditional NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, block the action of both COX-1 and COX-2, and this is why they can sometimes cause side effects such as stomach irritation and peptic ulcers. Etoricoxib belongs to a new generation of NSAIDs that selectively block the action of COX-2. This means that it stops the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, without stopping the production of prostaglandins that protect the stomach and intestines. It therefore reduces pain and inflammation, but is less likely than traditional NSAIDs to cause side effects on the stomach and intestines (although such side effects are still possible).

How should you take this medication?

This medicine can be taken with or without food, but may start to work quicker if taken without food.

What is this medicine Prescribe for?

Acute gout

Inflammatory disease of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis)

Osteoarthritis

Special warnings about this medication

It is recommending that all people taking this medicine should make a non-urgent appointment with their GP to have their treatment reviewed. This advice comes as a result of a European review of the safety of COX-2 inhibitors, following trials that suggested two other medicines in this class, rofecoxib and celecoxib, might increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The review of the evidence suggests that, as a class, the COX-2 inhibitors may cause an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke when compared to placebo (no treatment). If you have a history of heart disease or stroke your doctor will review your treatment and prescribe you an alternative medicine for your symptoms. If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking, your doctor will need to assess the overall benefits and risks before deciding if this medicine is still suitable for you. In general, if this medicine is suitable, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for as short a time as possible to control your symptoms, because the risks may increase with higher doses and the longer the medicine is taken. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Arcoxia.

This medicine can sometimes cause liver problems. Consult your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms.

Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: skin rash, skin blistering or peeling, sores inside your mouth, other signs of an allergic reaction, or signs of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as passing a black or blood-stained bowel movement or vomiting blood.

This medicine may hide fever, which is a sign of infection. This may make you think mistakenly that an infection is getting better when it isn't, or that an infection is less serious than it is. For this reason you should tell your doctor if you get an infection while you are taking this medicine.

People with impaired kidney, liver or heart function should have their kidney function monitored while taking this medicine.

Your blood pressure should be regularly monitored while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause fatigue and dizziness. You should take care when performing potentially hazardous activites, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you and are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. It is also not recommended for women who are attempting to conceive. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.