Peer Reviewed
Drug update
Etoricoxib for osteoarthritis, gout and pain
Abstract
Etoricoxib is an effective and well-tolerated analgesic for acute pain and is also used for the relief of chronic pain in osteoarthritis. Although it shares the increased cardiovascular risks of most other coxibs and NSAIDs, these do not usually become apparent until after at least a month of treatment so is of more concern if the drug is used for longer periods.
Key Points
Etoricoxib (Arcoxia) is an anti-inflammatory analgesic of the coxib class. It is not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) but is approved in Australia for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, the treatment of acute gout and the relief of short-term pain, including that associated with menstruation and minor dental procedures. It is available on private prescription in doses of 30 mg and 60 mg in blister packs of five, 10 and 30 tablets and in a dose of 120 mg in blister packs of five and 10 tablets.
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