Etoricoxib is sold under the brand name Arcoxia which is used in the treatment of arthritis. According to the data compiled by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions is the main cause of disability in the major percentage of US population. In 2002, 43 million adults in the US had some kind of arthritis. It has been estimated that by 2030, approximately 64.9 million citizens will be formally diagnosed with some arthritic condition. Doctors prescribe Arcoxia for acute and chronic signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many doctors recommend this medication for the treatment joint pain in arms, hips and knees also.
Precautions to be Observed Before Using Arcoxia
Arcoxia, if taken in high doses, can lead to an increase in the blood pressure in some people, which could make you susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. You must avoid taking the medicine if you have the following symptoms:
shortness of breath
chest pains
ankle swelling
Also, avoid taking Arcoxia if you are allergic to the ingredients it contains. (Always check the ingredients listed of medicine before you purchase it.) If you had a heart attack, bypass surgery, chest pain, narrow arteries or a stroke, at any point of time, share all the information with your doctor before you begin the treatment.
Do not take the medicine if you had a major surgery in the past and have conditions which can make you vulnerable to coronary artery problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. For a nursing woman, seeking a doctor’s advice before taking the medicine is a must. The drug must not be used if you are at a later stage of pregnancy.
Dosage of Arcoxia
The optimum recommended dosage of this medication is 90 mg tablet once a day. However, this can vary depending on the age, sex, and weight of tablet. It is available in tablet, solution, capsule and ointment form. It is better to consult your doctor about the dosage prior to taking this medication.
Side Effects of Arcoxia
The side effects of the drug can be put in two different groups which are common and uncommon. These side effects are based on clinical trials of 4800 individuals. This figure also includes 3600 patients. The most uncommon side effects registered were upper respiratory infection, problems in urinary tract, myocardial infarction and gastro-duodenal ulcer. Diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, chest pain and minor vision disorders are other common side effects.