Arcoxia (Etoricoxib)

Common Use

Arcoxia contains the active ingredient etoricoxib, which belongs to a class of medications called selective COX-2 inhibitors—in simple terms, it is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) . This enzyme is responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.

Unlike traditional NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), Arcoxia is designed to selectively target COX-2 while having minimal effect on COX-1, an enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining and supports normal platelet function. This means Arcoxia is generally gentler on the stomach and does not interfere with blood clotting in the same way as non-selective NSAIDs.

Arcoxia is used to treat:

Osteoarthritis – a common form of arthritis where the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness

Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation

Ankylosing spondylitis – a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and stiffness

Acute gouty arthritis – sudden, severe attacks of joint pain and swelling caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints

Chronic musculoskeletal pain – ongoing pain affecting muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons

Dosage and Direction

Take Arcoxia tablets orally with a glass of water. You may take them with or without food—whatever suits you best.

The recommended doses are:

Condition Dose Osteoarthritis 60 mg once daily Rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis 90 mg once daily Acute gouty arthritis 120 mg once daily (treatment should not exceed 8 days) Chronic musculoskeletal pain 60 mg once daily Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Precautions

Before taking Arcoxia, inform your doctor if you:

Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Have had allergic reactions to Arcoxia or other NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen)

Have a history of heart failure, heart attack, bypass surgery, chest pain (angina), stroke, or mini-stroke (TIA)

Have narrowed or blocked arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral arterial disease)

Have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)

Have diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoke—these can increase your risk of heart disease

Are planning major surgery

Are over 65 years of age—older adults may be more sensitive to side effects

Lactose intolerance: The tablet coating contains lactose. If you have lactase deficiency (difficulty digesting lactose), take this into consideration.

Contraindications

Arcoxia should not be used in the following situations:

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to etoricoxib or any of its ingredients

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Children and adolescents (infancy and under 18 years)

Bronchial asthma, recurrent nasal polyposis, or intolerance to aspirin and other NSAIDs (even in the past)

Ulcers or erosive changes in the stomach or duodenum (peptic ulcers)

Gastrointestinal bleeding (past or present)

Cerebrovascular or other bleeding disorders

Acute inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

Hemophilia and other clotting disorders

Severe heart failure

Severe liver failure or active liver disease

Severe kidney failure or serious kidney disease

Confirmed hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)

After coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or symptomatic coronary artery disease

Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure not well managed)

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)

Nausea, vomiting, or feeling sick

Heartburn or indigestion

Uncomfortable feeling or pain in the stomach

Diarrhea

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Dizziness

Headache

Serious side effects (less common) may include:

Heart attack or stroke – especially in people with existing heart disease or risk factors

Liver damage – symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue

Severe allergic reactions – rash, swelling, difficulty breathing

Kidney problems – changes in urination, swelling

Gastrointestinal bleeding – though less common than with non-selective NSAIDs

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Drug Interactions

Arcoxia can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, especially:

Warfarin and other blood thinners – Arcoxia may increase the risk of bleeding

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) – used for high blood pressure and heart failure; Arcoxia may reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of kidney problems

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) – taking Arcoxia with aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding

Rifampicin – an antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of Arcoxia

Diuretics (water pills) – Arcoxia may reduce their effect

Lithium – Arcoxia may increase lithium levels, leading to toxicity

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

If you have taken too much of this medication, contact your doctor immediately—even if there are no signs of poisoning. Overdose may increase the risk of side effects, particularly stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events.

Storage

Store Arcoxia at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that managing chronic pain and arthritis requires consistent, reliable access to your medication—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Arcoxia can be with you by the next day, helping you keep that pain and inflammation under control and get back to moving more comfortably.