Arcoxia

Etoricoxib tablet

What is it used for?

ETORICOXIB is a COX-2 selective inhibitorused for treating chronic and accute pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and chronic low back pain.

What should my health care professional know before I receive this medicine?

They need to know if you have, or have ever had, any of these conditions:

• heart failure or heart attack
• bypass surgery
• chest pains (angina)
• narrow or blocked arteries of the extremities (peripheral arterial disease)
• a stroke or mini stroke (TIA or transient ischaemic attack)
• high blood pressure
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• an unusual or allergic reaction to etoricoxib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take Arcoxia only when prescribed by your doctor. Take it with a glass of water; never halve the tablet, crash or chew it. Take your dose at about the same time each day. It will have the best effect and will also help you to remember when to take the dose. It does not matter if you take the medicine before or after a meal. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• warfarin
• rifampicin
• water pills (diuretics)
• ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, medicines used to lower high blood pressure or treat heart failure
• lithium
• birth control pills
• hormone replacement therapy
• methotrexate

Provide your physician with a list of all the medicine, including herbs and non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Do let them know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any of the illegal drugs.of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking the medicine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for the checks on your progress. 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 if a high dosage of this medicine is involved.

Depending on your condition, you may need to take etoricoxib for a few days or for a longer period.

If you become pregnant while taking etoricoxib, let your doctor know immediately. If you get an infection while taking etoricoxib, you should also inform your doctor. Etoricoxib may hide fever and may make you think, mistakenly, that you are feeling better or that your infection is less serious than it might be.

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking etoricoxib.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

Side effects you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• abnormal rhythm of the heart (atrial fibrillation)
• heart failure
• palpitations
• serious kidney problems
• serious liver problems
• stomach pain
• stomach ulcers that may become serious and may bleed, and may occur at any time during use and without warning
• feeling sick (nausea), vomiting
• heartburn, indigestion, uncomfortable feeling or pain in the stomach
• diarrhoea
• swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
• high blood pressure
• dizziness
• headache

Side effects that do usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• allergic reactions including rash, itching and hives
• severe skin reactions, which may occur without warning
• taste alteration
• wheezing
• insomnia
• anxiety
• drowsiness
• mouth ulcers
• diarrhoea
• severe increase in blood pressure
• confusion
• hallucinations
• platelets decreased

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I store it?

Keep out of the children’s reach in a container that cat not be opened by small children.

Store it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store it in the bathroom or near the sink. Do not leave it in the car or on the windowsills. Heat and dampness can destroy the medicine.