Arcoxia Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Arcoxia Tablet contains etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor belonging to the NSAID family. It is used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain. It works by blocking the COX-2 enzyme involved in inflammation while sparing the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach. It is taken once daily by mouth, with dosage depending on age and condition.

What is Arcoxia Tablet

Arcoxia contains the active substance etoricoxib. It is one of a group of medicines called selective COX-2 inhibitors, which belong to a family of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It helps reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles.

Arcoxia Tablet uses

• Acute and chronic treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Acute and chronic treatment of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Management of ankylosing spondylitis
• Treatment of acute gouty arthritis
• Relief of acute pain, including pain related to minor dental procedures
• Relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain

Benefits of Arcoxia Tablet

• Helps reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles
• Relieves pain and inflammation with less risk of stomach ulcers compared to non-selective NSAIDs
• Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness in arthritis

How Arcoxia Tablet works

Arcoxia reduces pain and inflammation by blocking an enzyme in the body called COX-2, which plays a role in joint inflammation and pain. Unlike other anti-inflammatory medicines, it does not block COX-1, the enzyme involved in protecting the stomach.

Arcoxia Tablet dosage

Arcoxia is for oral use. Take the tablets once a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water and do not halve the tablet. Take your Arcoxia at about the same time each day. The onset of the effect of Arcoxia may be faster when taken without food. Use the lowest dose that controls your pain and do not take Arcoxia for longer than necessary. For acute pain conditions, Arcoxia should be used only for the acute painful period.

Available forms and strengths

• 30mg film-coated tablet
• 60mg film-coated tablet
• 90mg film-coated tablet
• 120mg film-coated tablet

Side effects of Arcoxia Tablet

Common

• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the legs and/or feet due to fluid retention (oedema)
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Palpitations or irregular heart rhythm
• Increased blood pressure
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Constipation, wind, gastritis, heartburn, diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers
• Changes in blood tests related to your liver
• Bruising
• Weakness and fatigue, flu-like illness
• Dry socket (after tooth extraction)

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (angioedema, anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including shock)
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Heart attack and stroke
• Heart failure
• Abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
• Liver problems including hepatitis, jaundice and liver failure
• Serious kidney problems including kidney failure
• Stomach ulcers that may become serious and bleed

Warnings and precautions

• Etoricoxib may slightly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, so it should not be used in those who have already had heart problems or stroke. 
• The risk might increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.
• Do not take Arcoxia if you have a current stomach ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestines, serious liver disease, serious kidney disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Do not take Arcoxia if you are under 16 years of age.
• Arcoxia can mask or hide a fever, which is a sign of infection. Arcoxia can increase blood pressure in some people, especially in high doses; your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time. Taking aspirin with Arcoxia increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Do not take high-dose aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines while taking Arcoxia.
• Arcoxia must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are or could be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, do not take the tablets. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and tell your doctor immediately.
• It is not known if Arcoxia is excreted in human milk. If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, consult your doctor before taking Arcoxia. If you are using Arcoxia, you must not breast-feed.
• Do not take Arcoxia if you have serious kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease, as your doctor will want to keep a check on you.
• Do not take Arcoxia if you have serious liver disease. If you have mild liver disease, you should not take more than 60mg a day; if you have moderate liver disease, you should not take more than 30mg a day.
• Dizziness and sleepiness have been reported in some patients taking Arcoxia. Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you experience dizziness or sleepiness.

Storage

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date marked on the carton and blister strips.
• Do not use this medicine if you notice discoloration, damage or any other signs of deterioration.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away any medicines you no longer use.

When to see a doctor

• Stop Arcoxia and talk to your doctor immediately if you get shortness of breath, chest pains, or ankle swelling, or if they get worse.
• Stop Arcoxia and talk to your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), as these are signs of liver problems.
• Stop Arcoxia and talk to your doctor immediately if you have severe or continual stomach pain or your stools become black.
• Stop Arcoxia and talk to your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, which can include skin ulcers or blistering, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty breathing.
• If you take too many Arcoxia tablets, seek medical attention immediately.

Alternatives

• Celecoxib
• Diclofenac
• Meloxicam
• Ibuprofen