Etoricoxib Tablets

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like etoricoxib are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or sometimes just 'anti-inflammatories'. Etoricoxib eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and it may also be used for short periods of time in gout, such as during a flare-up.

Is Etoricoxib banned in the UK? 

Etoricoxib is not banned in the UK. It is a widely used prescription medication licensed for the treatment of inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. While it is not available in the USA, it remains a standard treatment in the UK and Europe.

Can I buy Etoricoxib over the counter?

Etoricoxib is a prescription-only medication (POM) in the UK. As Etoricoxib can affect blood pressure, it is not suitable for people with certain heart conditions, so it must be approved by a registered healthcare professional after a consultation.

Is Etoricoxib a strong painkiller? 

Etoricoxib is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor. It is specifically designed to target pain and inflammation and is often considered more effective for joint and muscle conditions than standard over-the-counter painkillers.

Etoricoxib works by blocking the effect of a natural chemical called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme helps to make other chemicals, called prostaglandins, in the body. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX-2 enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

How long does Etoricoxib take to work?

Etoricoxib starts to work shortly after the first dose, but its full anti-inflammatory effect may take a few days to become apparent. For acute conditions like gout, it is often taken for a short burst (up to 8 days) for rapid relief.

Can you just stop taking Etoricoxib?

If you are taking Etoricoxib for a short-term flare-up (like gout), you can usually stop once the course is finished. However, if you are taking it long-term for chronic arthritis, you should consult your doctor before stopping, as your pain and stiffness may return.

Before you start taking etoricoxib, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the tablets, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking them.

• For osteoarthritis: 30 mg once-daily, although the dose can be increased to 60 mg if needed.
• For rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: 60 mg once-daily, although the dose can be increased to 90 mg if it becomes necessary.
• For GOUT:  120 mg once a day for up to eight days.

Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take the tablet either with or without food, although the tablets may work more quickly if they are taken without food.

Try to take your doses at the same time of day each day as this will help you to remember to take them.

DO NOT USE ETORICOXIB IF:

• You have a stomach ulcer or bleeding in your gut
• You have inflammatory bowel disease
• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
•  You have heart disease or if you've ever had a stroke.
• You are allergic to any ingredient of the tablets.
• You have had an allergic reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• You have poor blood circulation in the arteries of the legs or feet (peripheral arterial disease).
• You are pregnant. Some evidence suggests that NSAIDs should also be avoided by women who are trying for a baby, as they may temporarily reduce female fertility during treatment and may also increase the risk of miscarriage or malformations.
• You are breastfeeding. It's not known if etoricoxib passes into breast milk.
• You have severe liver or kidney problems.

Some of the common and major side effects of Etoricoxib are:

• Flu
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Peripheral edema
• Flatulence
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficult while breathing
• Heart rhythm disorders

Find out more on the patient information leaflet

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the above description and patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for “MHRA yellowcard” in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.