Arcoxia® is a drug that is used to treat symptoms of irritation of the joints and inflammatory joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The active ingredient of this drug is a molecule called etoricoxib. Arcoxia® belongs to the main group of so-called cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors), i.e. sinkers of prostaglandin synthesis, which have an inhibitory effect on inflammatory processes within the body.
Side effects of Arcoxia
While taking Arcoxia® or other etoricoxib-containing drugs, patients reported a number of side effects or complications. In some cases, problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract occurred during drug application. These included irritation, inflammation, bleeding and/or perforation (tearing).
The risk of developing such gastrointestinal side effects increases when acetylsalicylic acid containing drugs (e.g. aspirin) are taken at the same time. The use of Arcoxia® can also have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. In some patients, the risk of developing thrombosis has been greatly increased, and heart attacks and strokes have occurred more frequently, in which a connection with Arcoxia® intake cannot be ruled out.
For this reason, the necessity of taking medicines containing etoricoxib should be carefully considered in patients with a hereditary predisposition to the development of high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes. Arcoxia® and other prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors cause fluid retention and thus hypertension in some patients. In elderly patients or those suffering from kidney, liver or heart failure, this medicine should only be used when absolutely necessary and under close medical supervision, as existing problems may worsen while taking it.
In addition, dizziness, headaches and abdominal pain as well as feelings of weakness and tiredness are often reported. Occasional side effects include susceptibility to upper respiratory tract and/or urinary tract infections. In addition, anaemia (caused by gastrointestinal bleeding) and a lack of white blood cells may occur.
Some patients report problems while taking Arcoxia®, such as unwanted weight gain, impaired taste, concentration, insomnia and nervous hypersensitivity or insensitivity, up to real depression. The use of Arcoxia® can also have a negative effect on the muscles, as side effects such as muscle cramps, muscle pain and muscle stiffness are possible. In addition to the side effects and counter-signs (contraindications) already mentioned, serious skin reactions and a lack of sodium can occur in rare cases during the course of taking Arcoxia®. Among the very rare side effects are hypersensitivity reactions in the sense of allergic reactions and states of shock. Confusion and delusions have also been reported in a few cases.
Side effects on the skin
Side effects that affect the skin such as itching, rashes and redness occur with many medications when the ingredients are not tolerated. These allergic reactions can be so severe that allergic shock (anaphylactic shock) and, in the worst case, cardiovascular failure can occur. Although the active ingredient of Arcoxia®, etoricoxib, does not have a very strong effect on blood clotting, extensive bleeding into the skin as an undesirable effect is nevertheless quite possible.
Rarer side effects affecting the skin are reddening or swelling of the face. However, these are extremely rare side effects. Another undesirable effect that occurs much more frequently when taking Arcoxia® is the already mentioned oedema, i.e. water retention in the tissue. Oedema often occurs on the legs, but can also occur on the trunk.
