Etoricoxib was initially approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in March 2004.

A 2017 study found that Just 14 days of Etoricoxib significantly improves pain intensity and quality, function and local and widespread hyperalgesia, measured by both self-report and physical tests.

Etoricoxib is used to treat conditions involving pain and inflammation, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain (such as post-surgical pain), gout, chronic low back pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and ankylosing spondylitis.

Etoricoxib is primarily taken orally in tablet form, either with or without food, and should be swallowed whole with water. It can be taken at any time of day, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day. If administered as an IV injection, it is given by a healthcare professional, typically in a hospital setting, for acute pain or when oral use isn’t possible. The IV form is delivered slowly over several minutes, according to medical guidance. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the correct form and timing.

Common side effects of Etoricoxib include:

• Stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Serious side effects of Etoricoxib may include: 

• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation
• Liver issues
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Blood disorders (anaemia, bleeding issues)
• Severe skin reactions

• Gastrointestinal risks: Etoricoxib can cause serious gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation, some of which may be fatal.
• Cardiovascular risks: The drug may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other thrombotic events, especially at higher doses and with prolonged use.
• Renal effects: Etoricoxib can impair renal function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, heart failure, or liver cirrhosis.
• Fluid retention and hypertension: Etoricoxib may cause fluid retention, oedema, and increased blood pressure, particularly in high doses.
• Severe skin reactions: Rare, but serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.
• Liver function: The drug can cause liver enzyme abnormalities (ALT, AST), and monitoring is necessary for patients on long-term treatment.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported.
• Use during pregnancy: Etoricoxib should not be used in women attempting to conceive or during pregnancy, as it can affect fertility.
• Drug interactions: Caution should be used when combining Etoricoxib with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or other medications.

Etoricoxib should be used with caution in elderly patients with cardiovascular risk factors, renal impairment, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal complications. 

Regular monitoring of liver and renal function is necessary. It may cause fluid retention and increased blood pressure, so careful management is needed in patients with heart failure or oedema. 

Etoricoxib can mask symptoms of infection or inflammation and should be discontinued if serious skin reactions or hypersensitivity occur. It is not recommended for women trying to conceive, as it may affect fertility, and it contains lactose, so it should be avoided by those with lactose intolerance.

Use Etoricoxib at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver, and kidney function is advised. Be alert for signs of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or allergic reactions, and seek medical help if they occur. Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or acetylsalicylic acid without medical advice. Inform your doctor of any other medications, especially anticoagulants, and avoid Etoricoxib if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458417310919
2. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/referral/arcoxia-article-6-12-referral-annex-i-ii-iii-iv_en.pdf
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15319795/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1661646/
5. https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/etoricoxib?mtype=generic

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.