Introduction
Arcoxia® belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has good pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Trade name/Manufacturer
Arcoxia® 60 mgArcoxia® 90 mgArcoxia® 120 mg from MSD SHARP & DOHME GMBH. 5-Chloro-6′-methyl- 3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]- 2,3′-bipyridine Active ingredient: etoricoxib
Fields of application of Arcoxia®.
Typical applications of Arcoxia® are:
- Arthrosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthritis with gout
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Effect
All NSAIDs ́s inhibit an endogenous enzyme, the so-called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme plays a decisive role in the formation of prostaglandins. One differentiates between two classes of this cycolooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).
regulate. Prostaglandienes also influence blood coagulation. Arcoxia® is a representative of a relatively new class of anti-inflammatory drugs.
It is a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor. However, this is only a predominantly COX-2 inhibitor, which is responsible for pain and swelling, while it only slightly inhibits COX-1, which regulates stomach protection, among other things. In summary, the COX-2 inhibitors are a good approach to a more selective therapy, it remains to be seen whether this selective therapy will not increase the risk of side effects (heart attack and stroke in particular). – Pain
- Ignition
- Fever
Arcoxia® for headaches
The etoricoxib contained in Arcoxia is similar in its effect to ASA or ibuprofen. Therefore, an analgesic effect can also be expected for headaches. Due to the possible side effects, however, Arcoxia is not normally used for the treatment of headaches.
In addition, Arcoxia is only available on prescription in Germany and is therefore not freely available. In rare cases, Arcoxia can be used off-label in combination with triptans for migraines. Triptans are classic migraine remedies, but their duration of action is relatively short. After the end of the triptans‘ period of action, migraine symptoms may reoccur as a recurring headache. Additional etoricoxib has a long-term effect and can prevent this.
Arcoxia® for a slipped disc
Like all NSAIDs, Arcoxia also has an analgesic effect in the case of a herniated disc. However, it is currently not approved for the treatment of herniated disc pain. It is also available only on prescription.
Although pain relief is important for the treatment of a herniated disc, it should be noted that pain has an important natural function. The affected person is forced to take care of his or her back, allowing the body to heal. It is therefore important not to overburden the back even after treatment.
Arcoxia® for arthrosis
The etoricoxib contained in Arcoxia is approved in Germany for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Arcoxia seems to be particularly effective against short-term pain attacks.
In most cases, low doses are already sufficient. Arcoxia only needs to be taken once a day, as its effect lasts for a relatively long time. Nevertheless, Arcoxia should not be taken over a longer period of time if possible due to the possible side effects. It should be noted that treatment with Arcoxia is mainly a symptomatic treatment.
