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 duiring a flare up.
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.
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 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.
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