Etoricoxib para el dolor y la inflamación
Arcoxia
Revisado por pares por Sid DajaniÚltima actualización por Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 27 Oct 2022
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Etoricoxib is a medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as an 'NSAID'.
Informe a su médico si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a algún otro medicamento antiinflamatorio.
Take etoricoxib once daily.
At a glance
Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling.
It is taken once daily for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce side-effects.
Tell your doctor if you have other health conditions before starting etoricoxib.
Stop taking it and see your doctor if you have breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions, or blood in your stools or vomit.
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Video picks for Analgésicos y medicamentos para el dolor
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About etoricoxib tablets
Tipo de medicamento | Un medicamento antiinflamatorio no esteroideo (AINE) |
Usado para | Alivio del dolor y la inflamación |
También llamado | Arcoxia® |
Disponible como | Comprimidos |
Analgésicos antiinflamatorios like etoricoxib are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or sometimes just 'anti-inflammatories'. Etoricoxib eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions like osteoarthritis, artritis reumatoide and ankylosing spondylitis, and it may also be used for short periods of time in gout.
Etoricoxib works by blocking the effect of a natural chemical called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme helps to make other chemicals, called prostaglandins, in the body. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX-2 enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.
Before taking etoricoxib
Volver al contenidoSome medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking etoricoxib, it is important that your doctor knows:
Si tienes asma u otro trastorno alérgico.
If you think you may be lacking in fluid (dehydrated) - for example, if you have recently had severe diarrhoea or vomiting.
Si alguna vez has tenido una úlcera gástrica o duodenal, o si tienes un trastorno inflamatorio intestinal como la enfermedad de Crohn o la colitis ulcerosa.
Si estás embarazada, intentando concebir o amamantando.
Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado, o si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.
Si tienes una afección cardíaca o un problema con tus vasos sanguíneos o circulación.
If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Si tienes niveles altos de azúcar en sangre o colesterol.
If you have any blood clotting problems.
Si tienes un trastorno del tejido conectivo como el lupus eritematoso sistémico. Esta es una condición inflamatoria que también se llama lupus o LES.
Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.
Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a cualquier otro AINE (como aspirina, ibuprofeno, diclofenaco e indometacina), o a cualquier otro medicamento.
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How to take etoricoxib
Volver al contenidoBefore you start taking etoricoxib, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the tablets, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking them.
Take etoricoxib once each day, exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are four strengths of tablet available - 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg. You will be prescribed the strength of tablet that suits your condition. People with osteoarthritis are usually prescribed 30 mg once-daily, although the dose can be increased to 60 mg if needed. People with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis are prescribed 60 mg once-daily, although the dose can be increased to 90 mg if it becomes necessary. If you are taking etoricoxib for gout, you will be prescribed a short course of 120 mg strength tablets to take once-daily for up to eight days.
Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take the tablet either with or without food, although the tablets may work more quickly if they are taken without food.
Intenta tomar tus dosis a la misma hora cada día, esto te ayudará a recordar tomarlas.
If you forget to take the tablet at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the forgotten dose from the previous day and take the dose that is due as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento
Volver al contenidoYour doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce the risk of side-effects. If you need to take etoricoxib for a long time, your doctor may also want to prescribe another medicine for you to take along with etoricoxib to protect your stomach from irritation.
Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be checked. Your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time while you are taking etoricoxib.
If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories such as etoricoxib. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.
There is known to be a small increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems in people taking anti-inflammatory painkillers like etoricoxib. Your doctor will explain this to you and will prescribe the lowest suitable dose for the shortest time in order to reduce the risk. Do not take more than the recommended dose for your condition.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because you should not take etoricoxib with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought 'over the counter'.
Si vas a someterte a una operación o tratamiento dental, informa a la persona que realiza el tratamiento sobre los medicamentos que estás tomando.
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Can etoricoxib cause problems?
Volver al contenidoAlong with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with etoricoxib. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Común etoricoxib side-effects | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Indigestion, stomach upset, tummy (abdominal) pain | Stick to simple meals - avoid fatty or spicy foods. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor |
Sensación de mareo o cansancio | No conduzca ni utilice herramientas o máquinas mientras esté afectado |
Constipation or diarrhoea | Bebe mucha agua |
Swollen ankles, fluid retention, being aware of your heart beating (palpitations), feeling short of breath, bruising, headache and flu-like symptoms | Si alguno de estos se vuelve problemático, hable con su médico |
High blood pressure, changes to some blood tests | Su médico verificará estos |
Importante: if you experience any of the following less common but possibly serious symptoms, stop taking etoricoxib and contact your doctor for advice de inmediato:
Si tienes alguna dificultad para respirar, como sibilancias o falta de aliento.
Si tienes algún signo de una reacción alérgica, como hinchazón alrededor de la boca o la cara, o una erupción cutánea severamente pruriginosa.
If you pass blood or black stools, bring up (vomit) blood, or have severe tummy pains.
Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse al medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.
How to store etoricoxib
Volver al contenidoMantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.
Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Volver al contenidoInformación importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.
Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.
No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.
Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.
Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna
Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?
Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can etoricoxib be used for all types of pain, or only specific conditions?
Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory painkiller primarily used to ease pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be used for short periods in cases of gout.
How often should I take etoricoxib, and what if I miss a dose?
You should take etoricoxib once each day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget to take a tablet at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and just take your regular dose that day. Do not take two doses at the same time to compensate for a forgotten dose.
Is it safe to take etoricoxib with other pain relievers I might already be using, especially for colds or flu?
You should not take etoricoxib with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller. Some common cold and flu remedies that can be bought over-the-counter may contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, so it's important to check with a pharmacist to ensure any other medicines you buy are suitable to take alongside etoricoxib.
Could taking etoricoxib affect my heart or circulation?
There is a small increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems associated with anti-inflammatory painkillers like etoricoxib. Your doctor will discuss this with you and will prescribe the lowest suitable dose for the shortest time necessary to help reduce this risk. It's important not to take more than the recommended dose for your condition.
What kind of monitoring will my doctor do while I'm on etoricoxib, especially if I take it long-term?
If you need to take etoricoxib for an extended period, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to protect your stomach from irritation. Additionally, your doctor will want to check your blood pressure periodically while you are taking etoricoxib to monitor your progress and health.
Are there any specific situations where I should definitely stop taking etoricoxib and seek immediate medical advice?
Yes, you should stop taking etoricoxib and contact your doctor straight away if you experience any breathing difficulties like wheezing or breathlessness, signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face or a severe itchy skin rash, or if you pass blood or black stools, vomit blood, or have severe tummy pains.
Can I take etoricoxib if I have a history of stomach ulcers or other gut issues?
If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, it's crucial to inform your doctor. They will need to know about these conditions before you start taking etoricoxib, as some medicines are not suitable or require extra care for people with such conditions.
Lecturas adicionales y referencias
- Manufacturer's PIL, Arcoxia® 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg film-coated tablets; Organon Pharma (UK) Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2022.
- Medicamentos Completos BNF 89ª Edición; Asociación Médica Británica y Sociedad Real de Farmacia de Gran Bretaña, Londres.
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About the authorView full bio

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.
About the reviewer

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.
Historial del artículo
La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
Próxima revisión: 25 Mar 2027
27 Oct 2022 | Última versión

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