Unfortunately, various inflammatory diseases are very common, and every person must have faced such a problem at least once in their life. Naturally, there are various drugs that help stop the development of the inflammatory process. And the drug "Arcoxia" is considered quite good. Reviews of doctors about this remedy are positive, as it really helps to cope with the disease, eliminate pain and fever. So what is included in it? In what cases can it be taken? Are there contraindications? The answers to these questions are of interest to many patients.
Composition and dosage form of the drug
Binconvex tablets of an interesting apple-shaped, film-coated - it is in this form that the drug "Arcoxia" is produced. Injections, solutions fororal administration, gels, ointments - these forms of the drug do not exist.
The main active ingredient of the drug is etoricoxib. By the way, the pharmacy sells tablets of different colors depending on the amount of the active substance - they can be green (60 mg etoricoxib), white (90 mg) or light green (120 mg).
Of course, some auxiliary components are also present in the composition: magnesium stearate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium and microcrystalline cellulose. The film coating consists of carnauba wax, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose monohydrate, triacetin, indigo carmine-based aluminum lacquer and, of course, the main dyes (Opadry white or green, depending on the dosage).
Pills are placed in convenient blisters of seven. In the pharmacy you can buy packages with one or three of these blisters.
Main pharmacological properties
This medicine belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Etoricoxib is a substance that selectively inhibits COX-2, which, in turn, prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, blocking the development of the inflammatory process. Arcoxia also has a pronounced analgesic and antipyretic effect, but it does not affect the mucous membrane of the digestive system and the functioning of platelets.
After taking the drug is rapidly absorbed, its bioavailability is 100%. The maximum concentration in the blood is observed after 1 hour. Activethe component binds to plasma proteins by more than 92%. It is excreted from the body mainly through the kidneys, and only 20% of the substances are excreted with feces.
Indications for use
When is it advisable to take Arcoxia? Its use is quite wide, as it provides a quick analgesic effect, and also allows you to eliminate the inflammatory process. However, most often the drug is prescribed to patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Indications for use are also pain caused by gouty arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In some cases, tablets are recommended for people who have recently had dental surgery.
Arcoxia drug (tablets): instructions for use and dosage
In no case should you use this drug yourself. Only a doctor can prescribe and tell you how to properly take Arcoxia (tablets). The instruction contains only general recommendations.
The dosage generally depends on the patient's condition and the type of problem. For example, in osteoarthritis, it is most often recommended to take one tablet with a dosage of 60 mg per day, regardless of the meal. The maximum daily dose for patients with spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis is 90 mg of the active substance. For gouty arthritis, you can take 120 mg per day. The duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician. Temat least the maximum allowable period of treatment is 8-10 days, after which the reception should be stopped at least for a while.
With caution, the drug is prescribed to people suffering from liver failure - the daily dose in such cases should not exceed 60 mg.
Are there any contraindications?
Immediately it should be said that this drug can not be taken by all categories of patients. The drug has contraindications, the list of which must be read before taking:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially in patients suffering from bronchial asthma and nasal polyposis;
- erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, gastrointestinal bleeding;
- inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease;
- bleeding disorders, including hemophilia;
- severe heart failure;
- severe forms of kidney and liver failure;
- severe coronary heart disease;
- period after coronary artery bypass surgery;
- persistent hypertension;
- children's age (the drug is not prescribed for children under 16);
- pregnancy, lactation, and pregnancy planning.
The drug also has some relative contraindications, in which therapy is possible, but only with the constant supervision of the attending physician. FROMwith caution, the drug is prescribed to patients suffering from fluid retention in the body, as well as severe somatic diseases, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The medicine also cannot be combined with alcohol.
Side effects
Many patients ask the question of what complications can lead to taking the drug "Arcoxia". Reviews of doctors indicate that patients who took pills rarely complain of any deterioration. However, adverse reactions are possible. For example, during therapy, an allergic reaction may occur, sometimes even anaphylactic shock. Some patients have reported nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, belching, dry mouth.
Possible side effects may also include headaches, weakness, confusion, sleep disturbances, anxiety, concentration problems, depression, blurred vision, vertigo, tinnitus.
Sometimes there are disorders of the respiratory system, in particular coughing, as well as nosebleeds. The drug can affect the cardiovascular system, causing an increase in pressure, palpitations, extremely rarely - congestion, circulatory disorders of the brain, hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction. In some patients, the drug increases the likelihood of developing infectious diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems.
Overdose: symptoms and treatments
Is it possible to overdose the drug "Arcoxia". Reviews of doctors and statistical studies showthat such cases have not been officially registered. Even a single dose of 500 mg of the active substance, as well as the use of small doses of the drug for three weeks, are not accompanied by serious complications. An overdose may cause an aggravation of the present side effects from the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Therapy in this case is symptomatic and is aimed at eliminating existing disorders.
Interaction with other drugs
When taking Arcoxia and anticoagulants at the same time, you need to carefully monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) - the ratio of a given patient's prothrombin time to the average prothrombin time - especially in the first few days of therapy.
Concomitant use of this drug with large doses of acetylsalicylic acid increases the risk of ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Concomitant therapy with tacrolimus and cyclosporins increases the likelihood of nephrotoxicity.
The medicine may interact with some oral contraceptives, increasing the risk of thromboembolism, so be sure to tell your doctor about the hormones you are taking before starting therapy - they may need to be replaced.
Arcoxia tablets: analogues and substitutes
Not every patient for one reason or another is suitable for this drug. Therefore, many people are interested in the question of what can replace the drug "Arcoxia". Analogues of this tool exist,and there are quite a few of them.
For example, if we are talking about pain relief, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Diclofenac (by the way, also available in the form of a gel for external use), Ketonal are considered quite popular and many more.
And if you suffer from osteoporosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then you can choose another substitute. Arcoxia is often replaced by drugs such as Ostalon, Alendros, Ost, Lindron. But remember that only the attending physician can choose an analogue. Doing it yourself is categorically contraindicated.
How much does the medicine cost?
Many patients are interested in the question of how much the drug "Arcoxia" costs. The price, of course, will depend on several factors. In particular, you need to take into account the city of residence, the pricing policy of the pharmacy, the manufacturer, etc.
So how much will Arcoxia drug cost? The price of a package of seven 60 mg tablets ranges from 350 to 450 rubles. Three blisters will cost about 1100 rubles. Dosage is another factor on which the cost of Arcoxia depends. Tablets of 90 mg cost about 550 rubles for seven pieces. For a package of three blisters, you need to pay about 1300-1400 rubles. Seven tablets with 120 mg of the active ingredient cost about 700 rubles.
Reviews of specialists and patients
Of course, many patients are interested in the question of what specialists think aboutdrug "Arcoxia". Reviews of doctors are mostly positive. The fact is that the pills really relieve the pain. Moreover, they inhibit the development of the inflammatory process and help to normalize body temperature during fever. In addition, the pills are not as damaging to the liver and digestive system as some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. On the other hand, not every patient can take the drug, since there are relatively many contraindications.
Patients, for the most part, also respond positively to the drug. This remedy actually relieves the condition and relieves soreness, while acting almost throughout the day. Most often, one tablet per day is enough, which is very convenient. Some people have contraindications or side effects, but it is worth understanding that the body's reaction to certain drugs is individual. The disadvantages include the high cost, which not everyone can afford. On the other hand, one blister is usually enough for the entire course of treatment.
