Arcoxia is a medication that contains an active ingredient known as Etoricoxib. Arcoxia is good for headache, however, in managing pain like headache, a simpler form of painkiller is usually preferred. Paracetamol should be used first before using stronger painkillers like Arcoxia. Arcoxia shall only be used for headache upon advice from a medical doctor. Other than paracetamol, ibuprofen is also an alternative for relieving headaches. Headache is usually a self-limiting symptom. However, severe forms of headache with other symptoms like visual symptoms, a problem with balance, hearing impairment, or vomiting will need medical attention.
In other words, do not take any of your symptoms lightly and always take good care of your health and well-being. Always remember that prevention is better than cure and will not burn a hole in your pocket. However, serious illnesses that are detected late will cause more problems for you both financially and emotionally.
Celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and etoricoxib are examples of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or also called NSAIDs. NSAIDs are useful and effective to reduce and relieve pain. In other words, NSAIDs are painkillers. Simple painkillers and analgesics such as NSAIDs and paracetamol are the first-line therapy to relieve pain. Pain is classified into mild, moderate, and severe referring to the World Health Organization (WHO) pain management ladder,
Mild pain is responsive towards simple analgesics like paracetamol and NSAIDs. Moderate pain needs the utilization of simple painkillers along with opioids based painkillers. Severe pain requires more than just a single and simple analgesic. Combination of simple analgesics, opioids containing painkillers, and additional pain relievers are needed to treat severe pain. Arcoxia should be taken orally, with or without food.
The conditions that respond positively to Arcoxia are:
- Acute pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gout
- Dental procedures (minor)
- Painful menses (physiological)
Nevertheless, etoricoxib should not be used for:
- Patients who are allergic to this medication
- Congestive heart failure patients
- Ischemic heart disease individuals
- Those with peripheral arterial disease
- Cerebrovascular disease patients
- Pregnant ladies
- Patients with hypertension having poorly optimized blood pressure
The doses for etoricoxib are 60mg, 90mg, and 120mg in the form of tablets. The inert ingredients of these medications are:
- Hypromellose
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate
- Carnauba wax
- Croscarmellose sodium
- Magnesium stearate
- Lactose monohydrate
- Titanium dioxide
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Glycerol triacetate
There are two main pathways for pain initiation in the human body. The first pathway is mediated by cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and the other pathway is cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Arcoxia eliminates pain by inhibiting the COX-2. Cox-2 is known to cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Arcoxia might increase the risk of:
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal perforation
Arcoxia is not recommended in pregnancy as animal studies have shown to cause reproductive toxicity. Animal studies also showed that arcoxia is released into the breast milk. The decision to stop lactation or medication in lactating mothers will be decided by your physician after discussing with you. Arcoxia should be stored at 30-degree Celsius and free from moisture and sunlight.
Arcoxia may interfere with other medicines like:
- Warfarin
- Rifampin
- Methotrexate
- ACE inhibitors
- Aspirin
- Lithium
Arcoxia will start to work after 24 minutes of consumption. Etoricoxib or arcoxia may stay in your body up to 22 hours. Headache sometimes may be due to stress. Effective stress management by living an active life will help you deal with it. Other than that, you can try deep breathing techniques, meditation, counseling, or any other method that brings peace to your mind, body, and soul. You can always ask professional advice from doctor/ health practitioners regarding your well-being or diseases. You own your health. Do not hesitate to take charge.
