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Arcoxia is the brand name for etoricoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from the coxib family. It is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation in chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
How does Arcoxia work and when is it prescribed?
Arcoxia is a selective inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation, fever, and pain. By inhibiting COX-2, Arcoxia reduces inflammation without affecting the gastric mucosa as much. Therefore, it generally offers better digestive tolerance compared to other NSAIDs.
What is Arcoxia used for?
Arcoxia is indicated to treat various types of chronic pain and inflammation, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Acute gout
- Acute pain after dental surgery (short-term use)
Its action is rapid. A daily dose can provide pain relief for up to 24 hours. However, prolonged use should be evaluated with medical caution.
Benefits compared to other anti-inflammatories
One of the main advantages of Arcoxia is its lower gastrointestinal impact. Unlike ibuprofen or naproxen, it does not affect the production of gastric mucosa as much.
Furthermore, it does not require multiple doses per day, which improves treatment adherence in patients with rheumatic diseases.
In clinical studies, Arcoxia has demonstrated comparable efficacy to other NSAIDs with improved gastric tolerance. This makes it an attractive option for patients with persistent pain.
It is also useful when there is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. However, its cardiovascular safety remains a matter of debate.
Risks, side effects and precautions
Despite its digestive benefits, Arcoxia is not without risks. The main one is an increase in cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes. This risk increases in people with hypertension, a history of heart disease, or risk factors such as smoking or diabetes.
It can also raise blood pressure, so it's not recommended for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Other common side effects include fluid retention, headache, dizziness, and digestive upset.
Its use should be avoided in people with serious heart disease, kidney failure, or liver failure. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Responsible use and medical evaluation
Arcoxia must be used with a prescription. It is not suitable for the occasional treatment of minor pain. It is intended for specific chronic or inflammatory conditions. Patients should undergo regular monitoring if they take Arcoxia for more than a few weeks, especially to check blood pressure and kidney function.
It should not be combined with other anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants without medical supervision. Excessive alcohol consumption should also be avoided during treatment. Before starting treatment, the doctor will assess the patient's cardiovascular profile. If the risk is high, safer alternatives are usually chosen.
Arcoxia Availability
Arcoxia (etoricoxib) is marketed by Merck & Co. in more than 60 countries. It is approved by prescription in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and much of Latin America, including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
In the United States, however, Arcoxia has not been approved by the FDA due to concerns about its cardiovascular safety. Therefore, it is not available in American pharmacies.
Availability, dosage, and indications may vary depending on the regulations in each country. For this reason, it is always recommended to consult with a local healthcare professional.
Conclusion: Is it a good option for chronic pain?
Arcoxia may be useful in selected cases. It has advantages over other NSAIDs, especially in patients with gastric problems. However, it is not a solution for everyone. Cardiovascular risk requires a case-by-case assessment. The key lies in the balance between benefit and risk.
Consulting with your doctor or specialist is essential before starting treatment.
