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Etoricoxib

  • Tablets are usually taken once daily.
  • Your doctor will check your blood pressure while you are taking etoricoxib.
  • Contact your doctor if you develop yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
  • Stop taking your tablets and contact your doctor if you develop shortness of breath, ankle swelling or chest pain.

About etoricoxib

Type of medicine Cox-II selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Used for Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gout
Also called Arcoxia
Available as Tablets

Etoricoxib works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body which cause pain, swelling and inflammation.

Before taking etoricoxib

Before taking etoricoxib make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from stomach problems such as indigestion or reflux.
  • If you have had a reaction to any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from heart disease.
  • If you are dehydrated.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  • If you suffer from porphyria.
  • If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

How to take etoricoxib

  • The dose will vary depending on what you are being treated for.
  • Tablets are usually taken once daily.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Your doctor will check your blood pressure while you are taking etoricoxib.

Can etoricoxib cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
High blood pressure Your doctor will measure your blood pressure regularly
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other tasks which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Fluid retention Speak to your doctor if this persists

Important: Contact your doctor if you develop yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Important: Stop taking your tablets and contact your doctor if you develop shortness of breath, ankle swelling or chest pain.

How to store etoricoxib

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3845		 DocRef:
dils3874		 Last Updated:
20 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
19 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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