Arcoxia: Targeted Relief for Chronic Osteoarthritis and Pain
Arcoxia
| Product dosage: 120mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.40 | $42.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.05 | $84.00 $63.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.92 | $126.00 $83.00 (34%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.88 | $168.00 $105.00 (38%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.81 | $252.00 $146.00 (42%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.77 | $378.00 $209.00 (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.75
Best per pill | $504.00 $271.00 (46%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 60mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.87 | $52.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.78 | $78.00 $70.00 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.72 | $104.00 $87.00 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.68 | $156.00 $123.00 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.66 | $234.00 $177.00 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.64
Best per pill | $312.00 $232.00 (26%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 90mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.93 | $56.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.83 | $84.00 $75.00 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.78 | $112.00 $94.00 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.73 | $168.00 $131.00 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.70 | $252.00 $188.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.68
Best per pill | $336.00 $244.00 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
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 engineered to provide potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for pain and inflammation, while largely sparing the COX-1 enzyme involved in protecting the stomach lining. This mechanism offers a refined approach to managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as acute gouty arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea. It is indicated for use in adults when standard therapies are insufficient or not tolerated, providing a valuable option for long-term pain management under appropriate medical supervision.
Features
- Active Ingredient: Etoricoxib
- Drug Class: Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitor
- Available Strengths: 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg film-coated tablets
- Prescription Status: Prescription-only medication
- Administration: Oral, once daily
- Manufacturer: MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
- Mechanism of Action: Selective inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis via COX-2 enzyme blockade
Benefits
- Provides effective and sustained relief from chronic inflammatory pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reduces joint stiffness and improves physical function, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
- Lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to traditional non-selective NSAIDs.
- Convenient once-daily dosing supports adherence to long-term treatment regimens.
- Demonstrated efficacy in managing acute pain conditions such as gout attacks and menstrual pain.
- Allows for individualized dosing based on specific condition and patient response, optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Common use
Arcoxia is commonly prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in adults. It is also used for the short-term management of acute pain associated with dental surgery, and for the treatment of acute gouty arthritis and primary dysmenorrhea. Its use is generally reserved for situations where the patient has had an inadequate response or intolerance to other analgesic options, and it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dose of Arcoxia should be individualized based on the condition being treated. For osteoarthritis, the usual dose is 60 mg once daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, the dose is 60 mg or 90 mg once daily. For ankylosing spondylitis, the dose is 90 mg once daily. For acute gouty arthritis, the dose is 120 mg once daily, limited to a maximum 8-day treatment course. For primary dysmenorrhea, the dose is 120 mg once daily, with treatment initiated at the onset of pain and continued for a maximum of 3 days. Tablets should be taken orally, with or without food, and must not be chewed or crushed. The lowest effective dose should be used, and treatment duration should be as short as possible based on therapeutic response.
Precautions
Arcoxia should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, as although the risk is lower than with non-selective NSAIDs, it is not eliminated. Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or smoking, as NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, may increase the risk of thrombotic events. Renal function should be monitored in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, heart failure, hepatic dysfunction, or those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse reactions. Arcoxia is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥9). Patients should be advised to report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, skin reactions, or symptoms of cardiac events promptly.
Contraindications
Arcoxia is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to etoricoxib or any component of the formulation. It must not be used in patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Use is contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding. It should not be administered to patients with severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh score ≥9), estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, or in those with inflammatory bowel disease. Arcoxia is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It should not be used in conjunction with other NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective inhibitors.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, edema, hypertension, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, and heartburn. Less frequently, patients may experience fatigue, palpitations, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, oral ulcers, and increased liver enzymes. Serious but rare adverse effects include gastrointestinal ulceration, perforation, or bleeding; severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome; hepatic toxicity; renal impairment; hypertension exacerbation; and cardiovascular thrombotic events like myocardial infarction or stroke. Patients should seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as black tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or skin rash with blisters.
Drug interaction
Arcoxia may interact with several medications. Concomitant use with other NSAIDs or aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events. It may reduce the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Concurrent use with diuretics may lead to impaired renal function. Arcoxia can increase plasma concentrations of lithium and methotrexate, necessitating monitoring and potential dose adjustment. It may enhance the effects of warfarin and other anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding. Co-administration with rifampicin may decrease etoricoxib plasma levels. Use with corticosteroids may elevate gastrointestinal risk. Healthcare providers should review all concomitant medications before prescribing Arcoxia.
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. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining a consistent dosing time each day may help avoid missed doses. If unsure, patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
Overdose
In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive care should be instituted immediately. There is no specific antidote for etoricoxib overdose. Symptoms may include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, acute renal failure, and respiratory depression. Management may include gastric lavage or activated charcoal administration if ingestion was recent, along with close monitoring of vital signs, renal function, and electrolyte balance. Hemodialysis is not likely to be effective due to high protein binding. Patients should seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Storage
Store Arcoxia tablets at room temperature, between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in the original container to protect from light and moisture. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not use Arcoxia beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused or expired medication according to local guidelines or through a medicine take-back program.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Arcoxia is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the dosage and instructions provided by your prescribing physician. Do not initiate, adjust, or discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor. Individual responses to medication may vary, and not all uses, precautions, or side effects may be covered here. For comprehensive and personalized medical guidance, consult your healthcare provider.
Reviews
Clinical studies and patient reports indicate that Arcoxia is effective in reducing pain and improving function in chronic arthritis conditions. Many patients note significant improvement in daily mobility and a reduction in morning stiffness. However, some users report side effects such as mild edema or increased blood pressure, underscoring the importance of medical supervision. Overall, it is regarded as a valuable option for patients who require long-term NSAID therapy with a better gastrointestinal tolerability profile compared to traditional NSAIDs. Always discuss your experience and any side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure the treatment remains appropriate for your individual health status.