Etoricoxib tablets

Etoricoxib is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine is prescribed to treat various rheumatoid conditions, including:

• Arthrosis and arthritis.
• Gout.
• Ankylosing spondylitis, also called Bechterew’s disease.

Etoricoxib helps to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles. Etoricoxib is also used for the short-term treatment of acute pain, for example after a tooth extraction.

This medicine is not suitable for use in children under 16 years of age.

There are different strengths available for this medicinal product and depending on your disease your doctor will prescribe the tablet strength that is appropriate for you.

The recommended dose is:

Osteoarthritis

The recommended dose is 30 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 60 mg once a day if needed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.

Ankylosing spondylitis

The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.

Acute pain conditions

Etoricoxib should be used only for the acute painful period.

Gout

The recommended dose is 120 mg once a day which should only be used for the acute painful period, limited to a maximum of eight days treatment.

Postoperative dental surgery pain

The recommended dose is 90 mg once daily, limited to a maximum of three days treatment.

Method of administration

Etoricoxib is for oral use. Take the tablets once a day.

Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food. The onset of the effect of etoricoxib may be faster when taken without food.

If you take more Etoricoxib than you should

You should never take more tablets than the doctor recommends. If you do take too many tablets, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you forget to take Etoricoxib

It is important to take Etoricoxib as your doctor has prescribed. If you miss a dose, just resume your usual schedule the following day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

See the package leaflet for more information on dosage and use of Etoricoxib.

Do not take Etoricoxib if:

• You are allergic to etoricoxib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• You are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including acetylsalicylic acid and COX-2 inhibitors (see the package leaflet for more information).
• You currently have a stomach ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
• You have serious problems with your liver.
• You have serious problems with your kidneys.
• You are or could be pregnant or are breastfeeding (see the package leaflet for more information).
• You are under 16 years of age.
• You have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, or colitis.
• You have high blood pressure that has not been controlled by treatment (check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure whether your blood pressure is adequately controlled).
• Your doctor has diagnosed you with heart problems including heart failure (moderate or severe types), angina (chest pain).
• You have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in legs or feet due to narrow or blocked arteries).
• You have had any kind of stroke (including mini-stroke, transient ischaemic attack or TIA). Etoricoxib may slightly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke and this is why it should not be used in those who have already had heart problems or stroke.

If you think any of these are relevant to you, do not take the tablets until you have consulted your doctor.

Note: there are more warnings associated with Etoricoxib. All risks and precautions are listed in the package leaflet.

Other medicines and Etoricoxib

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Etoricoxib s known to interact with other medicines (see the package leaflet for a list of medicines). Your doctor will know whether these medicines can be taken alongside Etoricoxib.

• It is important that you use the lowest dose that controls your pain and you should not take Etoricoxib for longer than necessary. This is because the risk of heart attacks and strokes might increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.
• Dizziness and sleepiness have been reported in some patients taking Etoricoxib. Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you experience dizziness or sleepiness.

Etoricoxib is only available with a prescription. A doctor can write a prescription for Etoricoxib after an online consultation. With this prescription you can get Etoricoxib at the pharmacy.

The price of Etoricoxib includes the cost of the online consultation and a service fee. Please check our order page for the current price.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you develop any of these signs you should stop etoricoxib and talk to your doctor immediately (see the package leaflet for more information):

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or ankle swelling appear or if they get worse.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) – these are signs of liver problems.
• Severe or continual stomach pain or your stools become black.
• An allergic reaction, which can include skin problems such as ulcers or blistering, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing.

The following side effects can occur during treatment with Etoricoxib:

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Stomach pain.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Dry socket (inflammation and pain after a tooth extraction).
• Swelling of the legs and/or feet due to fluid retention (oedema).
• Dizziness, headache.
• Palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat), irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
• Increased blood pressure.
• Wheezing or shortness of breath (bronchospasms).
• Constipation, wind (excessive gas), gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), heartburn, diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia)/stomach discomfort, nausea, being sick (vomiting), inflammation of the oesophagus, mouth ulcers.
• Changes in blood tests related to your liver.
• Bruising.
• Weakness and fatigue, flu-like illness.

This list is not exhaustive. For a list of all possible side effects, see the package leaflet. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet.

The active substance is etoricoxib. Each film-coated tablet contains 30, 60, 90 or 120 mg of etoricoxib.

The other ingredients are:

• Tablet core: calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, cellulose microcrystalline, croscarmellose sodium, silica colloidal anhydrous, talc, magnesium stearate.
• Film coat: hypromellose, hydroxypropylcellulose, macrogol 6000, talc, titanium dioxide E171.

The 60-mg tablets also contain brown ferric oxide E172, the 90-mg tablets also contain yellow ferric oxide E172 and 120-mg tablets also contain red ferric oxide E172.