What is etoricoxib?
Etoricoxib is a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor of the newer generation. The original product is Arcoxia®. The active substance has a particularly long half-life and has to be taken only once a day.
Etoricoxib is used in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout attacks, Morbus Bechterew and for a short time in moderate tooth pain after operations.
Like all COX-2 inhibitors, Etoricoxib has the advantage of less straining the gastrointestinal tract than classic NSAR.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Etoricoxib
Etoricoxib inhibits highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2):
Selectivity:
- Etoricoxib is about 100 times more selective for COX-2 than for COX 1
- This is one of the most selective COX-2 inhibitors
Pharmacokinetics:
- Effect entry: about 30 minutes
- Maximum plasma concentration: 1–2 hours
- half-life: about 22 hours
- Once daily intake sufficient
Wirkprofil:
- Strong pain relief
- Strong anti-inflammatory
- Particularly effective in acute inflammatory conditions (Gicht)
Who is it suitable for?
Etoricoxib is suitable for:
- Arthrosis (60 mg)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (90 mg)
- Morbus Bechterew (90 mg)
- Acute gout attack (120 mg)
- Short-term: moderately strong tooth pain after surgery (90 mg)
Especially suitable for:
- Patients with GI-risk (magic protection desired)
- Gout attacks (fast, strong effect)
- Patients who prefer a daily intake
Not suitable:
- In existing cardiovascular disease
- In case of uncontrolled high blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg
- In severe liver or kidney failure
Available Dosages
Tablets:
- 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg
Indication-related dosage:
- Arthrosis: 30–60 mg once a day
- Rheumatoid arthritis: 90 mg once a day
- Morbus Bechterew: 90 mg once a day
- Acute gout attack: 120 mg once a day (max. 8 days)
- toothache (post-OP): 90 mg once a day (max. 3 days)
Maximum daily dose: 120 mg
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day, regardless of meals
- Take a tablet with water
- Possible every day at the same time
Important notes:
- Control blood pressure regularly (Etoricoxib can increase blood pressure)
- Use the lowest effective dose
- At gout: start treatment at attack, max. 8 days
- Do not combine with other NSAR
Contraindications
**Etoricoxib must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to etoricoxib
- Active gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
- Ichaemic heart disease, heart failure (NYHA II–IV)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (> 140/90 mmHg)
- condition after heart attack or stroke
- Heavy liver failure
- Heavy renal insufficiency (Kreatinin-Clearance < 30 ml/min)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Children and young people under 16 years of age
Preview at:
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Easy to moderate kidney function disorder
- Edema
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- High blood pressure (more frequent than other NSAR)
- headache, dizziness
- Gastrointestinal complaints (abuse, heartburn)
- Edema
- fatigue
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- Heart failure
- Increased liver levels
- Skin rash
Selten, but seriously:
- Cardiovascular events
- Heavy skin reactions
- liver damage
Blow pressure increase: Etoricoxib can increase blood pressure more than other NSAR. Regular control is important.
Interactions
Increased bleeding risk with:
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin – INR control)
- ASS (low dose)
Sustainability of:
- ACE inhibitors, sartans
- Diuretics
Elevated mirrors of:
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
Preview with:
- Oral contraceptives (Etoricoxib can increase ethynylestradiol levels)
- Rifampicin (senkt Etoricoxib-Spiegel)
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is etoricoxib right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.