Arcoxia

Arcoxia is considered to belong to a ne generation of NSAIDs. They effectively block the action of cyclo-oxygenase type 2 substances (COX-2). Arcoxia inhibits the production of inflammatory prostaglandins without affecting the production of the prostaglandins that protect the intestines and stomach. Arcoxia is more popular than other types of NSAIDs because unlike traditional NSAIDs, it succesfuuly reduces inflammation and pain but does not cause harmful side effects to the intestine and stomach of the person taking the medicine.

How to use:

Take Arcoxia only when prescribed by your doctor. For osteoarthritis, the recommended dose is 60 mg once a day. For rheumatoid arthritis the recommended dose is 90 mg once a day. For ankylosing spondylitis the recommended dose is 90 mg once a day. For the relief of gout attacks the recommended dose is 120 mg once a day, which should only be used for the acute painful period. For the relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain the recommended dose is 60 mg once a day. Doses greater than those recommended for each condition have either not demonstrated additional efficacy or have not been studied. Therefore, the daily doses stated above for each condition should not be exceeded. If you have mild liver disease, you should not take more than 60 mg a day. If you have moderate liver disease, you should not take more than 60 mg every other day. Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.

Warning and Precautions:

Arcoxia can increase blood pressure in some people, especially in high doses, and this could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time, to make sure that it is safe to continue treatment.

Your doctor may have prescribed Arcoxia for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Arcoxia has been prescribed for you

Important safety information:

If any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pains or ankle swelling appear or worsen, stop your treatment with Arcoxia and consult a doctor, as soon as is practical.

If you have kidney, liver or heart disease, your doctor will want to appropriately keep a check on you.

If you develop any symptoms that could indicate a severe allergic reaction such as an inability to breathe or a serious skin reaction you must consult a doctor on an urgent basis.

Your doctor will want to discuss your treatment from time to time. It is important that you use the lowest dose that controls your pain and you should not take Arcoxia for longer than necessary. This is because the risk of heart attacks and strokes might increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.

Overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Missed Dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Do not use this medicine if:

you have an allergy to Arcoxia or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering

the expiry date on the pack has passed.

If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work.

You have had heart failure, a heart attack, bypass surgery, chest pain (angina), narrow or blocked arteries of the extremities (peripheral arterial disease), a stroke or mini stroke (TIA or transient ischaemic attack).

You have high blood pressure that is not well controlled on blood pressure medication.

You are having major surgery and have conditions which increase your risk of coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking.

You are having major surgery on you heart or arteries.

Storage conditions:

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.