Etoricoxib tablet

What is this medicine?

ETORICOXIB is a 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 pain (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 disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to etoricoxib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take Arcoxia only when prescribed by your doctor. Take it with a glass of water, do not halve the tablet, crash or chew it. Take your dosage at about the same time each day. It will have the best effect and will also help you remember when to take the dose. It does not matter if you take the medicine before or after food. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• 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

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking the medicine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for 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 with high doses.

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, tell your doctor immediately. If you get an infection while taking etoricoxib, tell your doctor. Etoricoxib may hide fever and may make you think, mistakenly, that you are 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.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

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