What is Arcoxia?
Arcoxia is an anti-inflammation pain medicine that is prescribed for pain relief in different forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
It is also used to relieve short-term pain in acute gout attacks or after dental surgery. Arcoxia contains etoricoxib, an anti-inflammatory medicine that is sold under other brands as well. Arcoxia tablets come in four strengths including 30 mg, 60 mg, 90mf and 120 mg.
How Does Arcoxia Work?
In response to injuries or medical conditions such as arthritis, our body makes prostaglandins with the help of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). These Prostaglandins are responsible for causing symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and pain. The Etoricoxib in Arcoxia blocks the action of COX which reduces the production of prostaglandins and in turn alleviates pain and inflammation.
While a single dose of Arcoxia starts to relieve pain, its anti-inflammatory property builds up over a few weeks of regular intake.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Arcoxia?
Some of the benefits of taking Arcoxia include:
- Treats the signs of arthritic conditions
- Manages ankylosing spondylitis
- Relieves chronic and acute pain
- Treats acute gout attacks
- Alleviates menstrual pain
- Other types of pain relief
How Do I Use Arcoxia?
Arcoxia tablets are required to be swallowed with a glass of water. The tablet does not need to be halved. You can have Arcoxia before or after your meal but taking it before prior to your meal allows it to be more effective. However, taking it at the same time every day is recommended if you are expecting best results.
Arcoxia Dosage
Arcoxia needs to be taken once a day preferably at the same time every day. The dosage depends on your medical condition. For arthritis, the dosage is usually once every day regularly to reduce pain and inflammation.
Since there are four strengths available, the dosage strength depends on your diagnosis. Here is some general dosage information for a few main conditions:
Osteoarthritis: One 30 mg tablet a day. May be increased to 60 mg on doctor’s recommendation.
Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: One 60 mg tablet a day. The dose can be increased to 90 mg if required.
Acute gout: One 120 mg tablet a day for up to eight days.
Pain after dental surgery: One 90 mg tablet a day for maximum three days.
In case of missed dosage, take the tablet as soon as you remember on the same day. You can skip a dose if you forget to take it for the entirety of the day. Do not take two or more tablets in one day and follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Arcoxia Precautions and Side Effects
Side Effects
Arcoxia may display some side effects, which may not be serious, but a few may require medical attention. Here are some mild Etoricoxib side effects to look out for:
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Stomach pains and discomfort, indigestion and heartburn
- Swollen ankles, feet or legs
- High BP
- Headaches and dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Insomnia, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations.
- Mouth ulcers
Other adverse effects may be more extreme and require immediate medical attention. Some extreme side effects of Arcoxia include:
- Swollen lips, tongue, face or throat which causes breathing difficulties
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Heart failure or palpitations
- Severe kidney problems
- Severe liver issues
- Stomach pains
- Bleeding stomach ulcers
This may not be a complete list of side effects as everyone responds differently to medicines. If you feel any of these extreme side effects or others not listed here, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Arcoxia may be beneficial for many people but here are some things to consider before taking the medicine:
- Ensure you are not allergic to etoricoxib or any other ingredient in Arcoxia.
- Do not take the medicine if you have a history of heart disease, bypass surgeries, angina or other heart conditions.
- Do not take Arcoxia if you struggle with high blood pressure that is not controlled.
- Not advised if you are having a major surgery and have conditions such as diabetes, high BP, smoking addiction that make you susceptible to coronary artery disease.
Precautions
Here are some precautions to take while you are on Arcoxia:
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get pregnant.
- If you get an infection, consult your doctor as it may be more serious than it seems.
- Mention that you are taking this medicine before doctor prescribes other new medications.
High-Risk Groups
High-risk groups that should not take Arcoxia include:
- People who are allergic to NSAIDs or any other ingredient in the tablet.
- Individuals with a bleeding in the gut or peptic ulcer.
- People who have Crohn’s disease.
- Individuals with hypertension.
- Individuals with a history of heart conditions such as heart failure, angina, or heart attack.
- People who have suffered a stroke.
- Pregnant women as NSAIDs may increase chances of a miscarriage.
- People suffering from serious liver or kidney problems.
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