Arcoxia (etoricoxib) is a prescription medication belonging to the class of drugs known as selective COX-2 inhibitors, a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is specifically designed to provide potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is primarily responsible for pain and inflammation. This mechanism allows for effective management of pain and swelling associated with various musculoskeletal and arthritic conditions, while offering a differentiated tolerability profile compared to traditional non-selective NSAIDs. It is indicated for the symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute gouty arthritis, as well as for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Features

• Active ingredient: Etoricoxib
• Drug class: Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor
• Available in tablet formulations (30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg)
• Once-daily oral dosing regimen
• Prescription-only medication
• Manufactured under stringent pharmaceutical quality controls

Benefits

• Provides powerful and targeted relief from inflammation and pain associated with chronic arthritis conditions.
• Offers convenient once-daily dosing, supporting consistent therapeutic levels and patient adherence.
• Demonstrates a lower incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events compared to traditional non-selective NSAIDs.
• Effectively improves physical function and reduces joint stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Rapid onset of action provides meaningful symptomatic relief for acute painful conditions like gouty arthritis.
• Allows for long-term management of chronic inflammatory pain with a well-established efficacy and safety profile.

Common use

Arcoxia is commonly prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and pain. It is also indicated for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation and damage. Additionally, it is used for ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, and for the management of acute gouty arthritis attacks. Chronic musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain, also represents a common therapeutic application where Arcoxia provides effective analgesia and anti-inflammatory action.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Arcoxia must be individualized based on the specific condition being treated and the patient’s medical status. For osteoarthritis, the usual dose is 60 mg once daily. For rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dose is 90 mg once daily. In acute gouty arthritis, 120 mg once daily is prescribed, with treatment duration not exceeding 8 days. The tablet should be taken orally with or without food, at approximately the same time each day. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals. Dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment.

Precautions

Patients should be carefully evaluated before initiating Arcoxia therapy, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors, as NSAIDs may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events. Gastrointestinal risks including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation can occur at any time during treatment. Hepatic and renal function should be monitored periodically during long-term therapy. Caution is advised in patients with fluid retention, hypertension, or heart failure. Patients should be advised to report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, skin reactions, or symptoms suggesting liver dysfunction. Arcoxia may mask fever, which is an important sign of infection.

Contraindications

Arcoxia is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to etoricoxib or any components of the formulation. It should not be used in patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Contraindications include established ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, and congestive heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV). Patients with active peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding should not receive Arcoxia. Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥9) and estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min represent additional contraindications. The medication is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions include dizziness, headache, edema, hypertension, palpitations, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and fatigue. Less frequently reported effects include pruritus, rash, urticaria, increased liver enzymes, and gastrointestinal ulceration. Serious but rare side effects may include cardiovascular thrombotic events, gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation, hepatotoxicity, severe skin reactions, and renal impairment. Patients should be monitored for signs of these serious adverse events throughout treatment. The incidence of side effects generally increases with higher doses and longer duration of therapy.

Drug interaction

Arcoxia may interact with several medications including warfarin and other anticoagulants (increased risk of bleeding), lithium (increased lithium levels), methotrexate (increased methotrexate toxicity), diuretics and ACE inhibitors (diminished antihypertensive effect), and cyclosporine (increased risk of nephrotoxicity). Concomitant use with other NSAIDs or aspirin is not recommended due to increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events. Caution is advised when co-administering with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or ritonavir. Healthcare providers should conduct a comprehensive medication review before initiating Arcoxia therapy.

Missed dose

If a dose of Arcoxia is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining consistent dosing is important for optimal therapeutic effect, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact overall treatment efficacy given the medication’s pharmacokinetic profile.

Overdose

In case of overdose, supportive and symptomatic treatment should be initiated. There is no specific antidote for etoricoxib overdose. Management may include gastric lavage or activated charcoal if presented soon after ingestion. Hemodialysis is not expected to be effective due to high protein binding. Symptoms of overdose may include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, acute renal failure, and respiratory depression. Patients should seek immediate medical attention and be managed in a facility equipped for supportive care and monitoring.

Storage

Arcoxia tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in their original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations, typically through medication take-back programs or pharmacy disposal services. Do not flush medications down the toilet or drain unless specifically instructed to do so.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Arcoxia is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment decisions must be made by a physician based on individual patient assessment. Patients should not initiate, adjust, or discontinue medication without consulting their healthcare provider. The complete prescribing information should be consulted for comprehensive details regarding use, warnings, and precautions.

Reviews

Clinical studies have demonstrated Arcoxia’s efficacy in managing pain and inflammation across multiple indications. In randomized controlled trials, etoricoxib showed significant improvement in pain scores and physical function compared to placebo in osteoarthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis studies reported reduced joint swelling and tenderness scores. The medication has generally been well-tolerated in clinical trials, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity. Real-world evidence supports its effectiveness in chronic pain management, though individual responses may vary. Healthcare providers typically report satisfactory patient outcomes when Arcoxia is appropriately prescribed to suitable candidates.