Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-12-08
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Arcoxia is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with the main ingredient etoricoxib, offering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It’s commonly used for arthritis, gout, menstrual pain, and short-term post-operative pain. The Bowtie team has compiled this guide to explain its benefits, how to take it, precautions, and common side effects.
What is Arcoxia?
Arcoxia is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the class of “selective COX-2 inhibitors.” Its active ingredient, etoricoxib, selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is responsible for transmitting pain signals, and inhibiting it can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
Arcoxia is primarily metabolized by the liver, with a half-life of 22 hours, and is excreted through urine and feces. Due to its stable metabolism, taking it once daily can maintain its therapeutic effects, making it convenient for patients to manage chronic arthritis or recurrent pain long-term. Compared to traditional NSAIDs, Arcoxia causes less stomach irritation, such as a lower risk of bleeding gastric ulcers.
What Are the Uses of Arcoxia?
It is used to relieve various types of pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Reduces joint pain and swelling, improves mobility
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Controls chronic inflammation, lowers risk of joint damage
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Reduces spinal and joint stiffness
- Acute gout: Quickly relieves severe gout attacks
- Menstrual pain
- Short-term pain after dental surgery
Additionally, some studies show that Arcoxia provides faster pain relief, typically within 1 hour of taking the medication, making it suitable for acute pain management.
How to Take Arcoxia (Method and Dosage)?
In Hong Kong, Arcoxia is a prescription medication that requires a doctor’s prescription. The dosage and usage vary depending on the patient and condition, and it should be used according to the doctor’s instructions. Do not adjust the dose or stop the medication on your own.
Generally, the standard dosage of Arcoxia is 30 to 120 mg once daily, taken orally. It is recommended to take Arcoxia after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Common Dosage Guidelines
| Indications | Common Dosage (Adults) | Duration of Use |
| Osteoarthritis | 30–60mg once daily | Continuous treatment |
| Rheumatoid arthritis / Ankylosing spondylitis | 60mg once daily (can increase to 90mg) | Continuous treatment |
| Acute gout | 120mg once daily | Up to 8 days |
| Menstrual pain / Acute pain | 120mg once daily | Up to 8 days |
| Pain after dental surgery | 90mg once daily | Up to 3 days |
Who Should Avoid Arcoxia?
Not Recommended or Contraindicated Situations:
- Allergy: Allergic to Etoricoxib or other NSAIDs.
- Severe heart disease, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension.
- History of ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular or cerebrovascular disease.
- Active ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, severe liver or kidney impairment.
- Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and breastfeeding women.
- Children under 16 years old.
Precautions When Taking Arcoxia
- Strictly follow the doctor’s instructions; do not increase or decrease the dose on your own or use long-term without monitoring.
- Do not use with other NSAIDs or aspirin (unless instructed by a doctor).
- For long-term or high-dose use, regularly monitor heart, kidney, liver, and blood pressure conditions.
- If severe symptoms occur after taking the medication (such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling, black stools, vomiting blood, etc.), stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention.
- Stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately if abnormal conditions occur, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, rash, severe stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood, swelling, chest pain, significant increase in blood pressure, etc.
- Avoid alcohol, as drinking alcohol at the same time increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- If you have a history of heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, inform your doctor first.
- If you have multiple conditions or are taking multiple medications, be sure to tell your doctor to avoid drug interactions.
What Are the Side Effects of Arcoxia?
Arcoxia is generally well-tolerated when used correctly, but the following side effects may occur:
Common Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea
- Headache, dizziness, swelling, weight gain
- Increased blood pressure
- Rash, itching, mouth ulcers, mood swings, insomnia
Serious Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions (such as facial/throat swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, or heart failure
- Kidney or liver failure
- Severe gastrointestinal bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), or severe skin reactions
How Should Arcoxia Be Stored?
Arcoxia is best stored at room temperature in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in original packaging and prevent access by children. Regularly check the expiration date to avoid taking expired medication.
Common Questions
What Are the Consequences of Overdosing on Arcoxia?
Overdosing on Arcoxia may lead to the following adverse reactions:
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.
- Liver Function Abnormalities: Such as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, etc.
- Kidney Function Abnormalities: Such as decreased urine output, dark urine, etc.
- Central Nervous System Discomfort: Such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, coma, etc.
- Cardiovascular System Discomfort: Such as rapid heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, low blood pressure, etc.
If accidentally overdosed or if the above symptoms occur after taking, seek medical attention immediately.
Can Arcoxia Be Taken Long-Term?
It should follow the principle of “lowest effective dose” and “shortest treatment duration.” Long-term self-administration is not recommended. If long-term treatment is needed, it should be evaluated by a doctor with regular monitoring of heart, kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal health.
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