Arcoxia 90mg Tablets

Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from a group called selective COX-2 inhibitors. It reduces pain and swelling (inflammation) in joints and muscles.

It is used in people aged 16 and over for:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine and large joints)
• painful attacks of gout
• short-term moderate pain after dental surgery

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, once a day. The lowest dose that controls your pain should be used for the shortest time needed.

• You can take it with or without food. It may start working faster on an empty stomach.
• Do not take more than prescribed, and do not take other NSAIDs or high-dose aspirin with it.
• If you are on low-dose aspirin for your heart, do not stop it without talking to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, just carry on with your usual dose the next day. Never take a double dose.
• Your doctor may check your blood pressure from time to time.

Common side effects include:

• stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, feeling sick, diarrhoea or constipation, wind
• swelling of the legs or feet from fluid build-up
• dizziness, headache, tiredness
• raised blood pressure, palpitations
• bruising, or a painful 'dry socket' after a tooth extraction

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• shortness of breath, chest pain or ankle swelling, or these get worse
• signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• yellow skin or eyes
• severe or ongoing stomach pain, or black stools
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, blisters or skin ulcers, or trouble breathing

Do not take it if you have a stomach ulcer or bleeding, serious liver or kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, angina, a past heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke, poor circulation in the legs, or an allergy to NSAIDs or aspirin. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding
• have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol, or smoke
• are dehydrated, have fluid retention, or have liver or kidney problems
• are over 65, or have an infection (it can hide a fever)
• take warfarin, methotrexate, lithium, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, rifampicin, digoxin, blood pressure or water tablets, the pill or HRT

This medicine does not need any special storage conditions. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Heart and stroke: etoricoxib may slightly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially at high doses or with long use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not take it if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are trying to conceive or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant, stop and contact your doctor.

Driving: do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy.

Children: not for anyone under 16.