Etorix® is the preparation of Etoricoxib. It is a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug
(NSAID) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in
animal models. It is a potent, orally active, highly selective cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) inhibitor within and above the clinical dose range. COX-2 has been
shown to be primarily responsible for the synthesis of prostanoid mediators of
pain, inflammation and fever. Selective inhibition of COX-2 by Etoricoxib
decreases these clinical signs and symptoms with decreased GI toxicity and
without effects on platelet function.
INDICATIONS
Pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, in rheumatoid arthritis and in other chronic
musculoskeletal disorders, acute gout, pain of dysmenorrhoea and pain following
dental surgery.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Adult and adolescent over 16 years:
•In case of osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, chronic musculoskeletal
disorders: 60 mg once daily
•In case of rheumatoid arthritis: 90 mg once daily
•In case of pain following dental surgery & acute gout: 120 mg once daily
Safety and effectiveness of Etoricoxib in paediatric patients have not been
established.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
It is contra-indicated in inflammatory bowel disease, severe congestive heart
failure.
USE IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
As with other drugs known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, use of it should be
avoided in late pregnancy because it may cause premature closure of the ductus
arteriosus. It should be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy only if the
potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. It is not known whether this
drug is excreted in human milk.
SIDE-EFFECTS
Side-effects of Etoricoxib are dry mouth, taste disturbance, mouth ulcers,
flatulence, constipation, appetite and weight changes, chest pain, fatigue,
paraesthesia, influenza-like syndrome, myalgia.
PRECAUTIONS
In patients with advanced renal disease, treatment with it is not recommended.
Clinical experience in patients with estimated creatinine clearance of <30 mL / min
is very limited. If therapy with it must be initiated in such patients, close monitoring
of the patient's renal function is advisable. Caution should be used when initiating
treatment with it in patients with considerable dehydration. It is advisable to
rehydrate patients prior to starting therapy with it. The possibility of fluid retention,
oedema or hypertension should be taken into consideration when it is used in
patients with pre-existing oedema, hypertension or heart failure. Independent of
treatment, patients with a prior history of GI perforation, ulcers and bleeding
(PUB) and patients greater than 65 years of age are known to be at a higher risk
for a PUB. A patient, with symptoms and/or signs suggesting liver dysfunction or
in whom an abnormal liver function test has occurred, should be evaluated for
persistently abnormal liver function tests. If persistently abnormal liver function
tests (three times the upper limit of normal) are detected, it should be
discontinued. It should be used with caution in patients who have previously
experienced acute asthmatic attacks, urticaria or rhinitis, which were precipitated
by salicylates or non- selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors. It may mask fever, which
is a sign of infection. The physician should be aware of this when using it in patients
being treated for infection.
PHARMACEUTICAL PRECAUTION
Do not store above 30 °C temperature. Keep away from light and wet place. Keep
out of reach of children.
PACKAGING
Etorix® 60 tablet : Box containing 5 strips of 10 tablets each. Each film coated
tablet contains Etoricoxib INN 60 mg.
Etorix® 90 tablet : Box containing 4 strips of 10 tablets each. Each film coated
tablet contains Etoricoxib INN 90 mg.
Etorix® 120 tablet : Box containing 3 strips of 10 tablets each. Each film coated
tablet contains Etoricoxib INN 120 mg.