Indications 

Arcoxia is a prescription medication primarily indicated to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis caused by degeneration of joint cartilage), such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. 

Arcoxia may also be used to provide relief from the following conditions:  

• Gout (joint pain due to the accumulation of certain substances in the joints) 
• Rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis resulting from inflammation of the lining of the joints) 
• Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that primarily affects the spine) 
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain (acute or chronic pain that affects bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and even nerves) 
• Short-term pain (such as menstrual cramps and post-dental procedure discomfort) 

Arcoxia is classified as a selective cox-2 inhibitor and functions by impeding the production of pain and inflammation-inducing substances. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Arcoxia and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

The dosage of Arcoxia is individualized and dependent on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually given at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time to minimize the likelihood of adverse effects. 

Typically, Arcoxia is taken once a day as prescribed by the doctor without regard to food intake. The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water and ingested whole, not cut, crushed, or chewed.  

For optimal results, take Arcoxia regularly, around the same time daily, exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not take less or too much of it or take it longer or more frequently than prescribed. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Arcoxia. If any of these side effects last or worsen, inform your doctor right away. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Heartburn 
• Mouth ulcers 
• Changes in taste 
• Diarrhea 
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet 
• Increase in blood pressure 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Unusual tiredness or weakness 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Depression 
• Signs of urinary tract infection 
• High levels of potassium in your blood 
• Signs of an infection of the breathing passages 
• Feelings of anxiousness 
• Confusion 
• Hallucination 
• Blurred vision 
• Skin rash or itchiness 
• Pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin 
• Passing little or no urine 
• Jaundice 
• Chest pain 
• Increased tendency to bleed/bruise or to bleed for a longer period 

Serious Side Effects 

• Fever, skin rash, swelling of the face 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing 
• Symptoms of stomach ulcers 
• Palpitations 
• Rare skin condition with severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals 
• Liver disease, including liver failure, with symptoms such as: 
  •  Loss of appetite 
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes 
  • Dark-colored urine 

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious symptoms listed above. 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Arcoxia. If you observe other effects not listed above, inform your doctor promptly.  

Cautions 

Before taking Arcoxia, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to etoricoxib, other medicines, or to any ingredients present in Arcoxia tablets. 

To ensure Arcoxia is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Significant negative side effects while taking NSAIDs 
• Heart failure, heart attack, chest pain, or peripheral arterial disease 
• Stroke or mini stroke 
• Major surgery on the heart or arteries 
• Uncontrolled hypertension 
• Serious liver disease 
• Past or present stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding 
• Serious kidney disease 

Arcoxia may interact with many medications. To prevent the possibility of drug interactions, tell your physician and pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

Some of the medications that may interact with Arcoxia include: 

• Warfarin  
• Rifampicin 
• Diuretics 
• Medicines used to lower high blood pressure or treat heart failure (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers) 
• Lithium 
• Birth control pills 
• Hormone replacement therapy 
• Methotrexate 

Arcoxia reduces pain and inflammation with lower stomach ulcer risk than NSAIDs. Yet, taking aspirin with Arcoxia may negate this advantage. However, Arcoxia can be taken with low-dose aspirin if prescribed by a doctor for preventing a heart attack or stroke. 

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be. Arcoxia is not advised for use during late pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using Arcoxia if there is a need to consider it during your pregnancy. 

Lactating mothers should discuss with the doctor whether to stop breastfeeding or avoid taking Arcoxia as it is unclear if the medication passes into breast milk.