ETORICOXIB 30 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS - patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Patient leaflet - ETORICOXIB 30 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

– Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
– If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
– This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
– If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet

1. What this medicine is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take this medicine
3. How to take this medicine
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store this medicine
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. what this medicine is and what it is used for

What is Etoricoxib?

Etoricoxib contains the active substance etoricoxib. Etoricoxib is one of a group of medicines called selective COX-2 inhibitors. These belong to a family of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is Etoricoxib used for?

Etoricoxib helps to reduce the pain and swelling (inflammation) in the joints and muscles of people 16 years of age and older with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout.
Etoricoxib is also used for the short term treatment of moderate pain after dental surgery in people 16 years of age and older.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints. It results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. This causes swelling (inflammation), pain, tenderness, stiffness and disability.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long term inflammatory disease of the joints. It causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and increasing loss of movement in the joints it affects. It may also cause inflammation in other areas of the body.

What is gout?

Gout is a disease of sudden, recurring attacks of very painful inflammation and redness in the joints. It is caused by deposits of mineral crystals in the joint.

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine and large joints.

2. what you need to know before you take this medicine

Do not take this medicine:

if you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
if you are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors (see Possible Side Effects, section 4)
if you have a current stomach ulcer or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
if you have serious liver disease
if you have serious kidney disease
if you are or could be pregnant or are breast-feeding (see ‘Pregnancy, breast feeding, and fertility’)
if you are under 16 years of age
if you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Colitis
if you have high blood pressure that has not been controlled by treatment (check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure whether your blood pressure is adequately controlled)
if your doctor has diagnosed heart problems including heart failure (moderate or severe types), angina (chest pain)
if you have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in legs or feet due to narrow or blocked arteries)
if you have had any kind of stroke (including mini-stroke, transient ischaemic attack or TIA). Etoricoxib may slightly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke and this is why it should not be used in those who have already had heart problems or stroke.

If you think any of these are relevant to you, do not take the tablets until you have consulted your doctor.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

You have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcers.
You are dehydrated, for example by a prolonged bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.
You have swelling due to fluid retention.
You have a history of heart failure, or any other form of heart disease.
You have a history of high blood pressure. Etoricoxib can increase blood pressure in some people, especially in high doses, and your doctor will want to check your blood pressure from time to time.
You have any history of liver or kidney disease.
You are being treated for an infection. Etoricoxib can mask or hide a fever, which is a sign of infection.
You have diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker. These can increase your risk of heart disease.
You are a woman trying to become pregnant.
You are over 65 years of age.

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor before taking Etoricoxib to see if this medicine is suitable for you.

Etoricoxib works equally well in older and younger adult patients. If you are over 65 years of age, your doctor will want to appropriately keep a check on you. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients over 65 years of age.

Children and adolescents

Do not give this medicine to children and adolescents under 16 years of age.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

In particular if you are taking any of the following medicines, your doctor may want to monitor you to check that your medicines are working properly, once you start taking Etoricoxib:

medicines that thin your blood (anticoagulants), such as warfarin
rifampicin (an antibiotic)
methotrexate (a drug used for suppressing the immune system, and often used in rheumatoid arthritis)
ciclosporin or tacrolimus (drugs used for suppressing the immune system)
lithium (a medicine used to treat some types of depression)
medicines used to help control high blood pressure and heart failure called ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, examples include enalapril and ramipril, and losartan and valsartan
diuretics (water tablets)
digoxin (a medicine for heart failure and irregular heart rhythm)
minoxidil (a drug used to treat high blood pressure)
salbutamol tablets or oral solution (a medicine for asthma)
birth control pills (the combination may increase your risk of side effects)
hormone replacement therapy (the combination may increase your risk of side effects)
aspirin, the risk of stomach ulcers is greater if you take Etoricoxib with aspirin.

– aspirin for prevention of heart attacks or stroke:

Etoricoxib can be taken with low-dose aspirin. If you are currently taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks or stroke, you should not stop taking aspirin until you talk to your doctor.

– aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

Do not take high dose aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines while taking Etoricoxib.

Taking this medicine with food and drink

The onset of the effect of Etoricoxib may be faster when taken without food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Pregnancy

Etoricoxib tablets must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant, do not take the tablets. If you become pregnant, stop taking the tablets and consult your doctor. Consult your doctor if you are unsure or need more advice.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if Etoricoxib is excreted in human milk. If you are breast-feeding, or planning to breast-feed, consult your doctor before taking Etoricoxib. If you are using Etoricoxib, you must not breast-feed.

Fertility

Etoricoxibis not recommended in women attempting to become pregnant.

Driving and using machines

Dizziness and sleepiness have been reported in some patients taking Etoricoxib.

Do not drive if you experience dizziness or sleepiness.

Do not use any tools or machines if you experience dizziness or sleepiness.

This medicine contains lactose

If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

3. how to take this medicine

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Do not take more than the recommended dose for your condition. 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 Etoricoxib for longer than necessary. This is because the risk of heart attacks and strokes might increase after prolonged treatment, especially with high doses.

There are different strengths available for this medicinal product and depending on your disease your doctor will prescribe the tablet strength that is appropriate for you.

The recommended dose is:

Osteoarthritis

The recommended dose is 30 mg once a day, increase to a maximum of 60 mg once a day if needed.

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SAME SIZE ARTWORK 520 mm x 150 mm

Rheumatoid arthritis

The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.

Ankylosing spondylitis

The recommended dose is 60 mg once a day, increased to a maximum of 90 mg once a day if needed.

Acute pain conditions

Etoricoxib should be used only for the acute painful period.

Gout

The recommended dose is 120 mg once a day which should only be used for the acute painful period, limited to a maximum of 8 days treatment.

Postoperative dental surgery pain

The recommended dose is 90 mg once daily, limited to a maximum of 3 days treatment

People with liver problems

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 30 mg a day.

Use in children and adolescents

Etoricoxib tablets should not be taken by children or adolescents under 16 years of age.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients. As with other medicines, caution should be exercised in elderly patients.

Method of administration

Etoricoxib is for oral use. Take the tablets once a day. Etoricoxib can be taken with or without food.

If you take more of this medicine than you should

You should never take more tablets than the doctor recommends. If you do take too many Etoricoxib tablets, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you forget to take this medicine

If you forget to take a dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take your next dose. Never take more than one dose per day.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you develop any of these signs you should stop taking this medicine and talk to your doctor immediately (see section 2):

shortness of breath, chest pains, or ankle swelling appear or if they get worse
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) – these are signs of liver problems
severe or continual stomach pain or your stools become black
an allergic reaction- which can include skin problems such as ulcers or blistering, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

stomach pain

Common (may affect up to 1 to 10 people)

dry socket (inflammation and pain after a tooth extraction)
swelling of the legs and/or feet due to fluid retention (oedema)
dizziness, headache
palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat), irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
increased blood pressure
wheezing or shortness of breath (bronchospasms)
constipation, wind (excessive gas), gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), heartburn, diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia)/stomach discomfort, nausea, being sick (vomiting), inflammation of the oesophagus, mouth ulcers
changes in blood tests related to your liver
bruising
weakness and fatigue, flu-like illness

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach and small intestine/stomach flu), upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection
changes in laboratory values (decreased number of red blood cells, decreased number of white blood cells, platelets decreased)
hypersensitivity (an allergic reaction including hives which may be serious enough to require immediate medical attention)
appetite increases or decreases, weight gain
anxiety, depression, decreases in mental sharpness; seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
taste alteration, inability to sleep, numbness or tingling, sleepiness
blurred vision, eye irritation and redness
ringing in the ears, vertigo (sensation of spinning while remaining still)
abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), fast heart rate, heart failure, feeling of tightness, pressure or heaviness in the chest (angina pectoris), heart attack
flushing, stroke, mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack), severe increase in blood pressure. inflammation of the blood vessels
cough, breathlessness, nose bleed
stomach or bowel bloating, changes in your bowel habits, dry mouth, stomach ulcer, inflammation of the stomach lining that can become serious and may lead to bleeding, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of the pancreas
swelling of the face, skin rash or itchy skin, redness of the skin
muscle cramp/spasm, muscle pain/stiffness
high levels of potassium in your blood, changes in blood or urine tests relating to your kidney, serious kidney problems
chest pain

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

angioedema (an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing, which may be serious enough to require immediate medical attention)/ anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including shock (a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention)
confusion, restlessness
liver problems (hepatitis)
low blood levels of sodium
liver failure, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
severe skin reactions

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine

5. how to store this medicine

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Bottles: Use within 90 days of first opening.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other information

What this medicine contains

The active substance is 30mg or 60mg or 90mg or 120mg of etoricoxib.
The tablet core contains calcium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxy propyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica. The tablet coat contains hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin, indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132) (only in 30 mg, 60 mg and 120mg) and iron oxide yellow (E172) (only in 30 mg, 60 mg and 120mg).

What this medicine looks like and contents of the pack

30 mg: Bluish green, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘443’ on one side and ‘L’ on other side.
60 mg: Green, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘444’ on one side and ‘L’ on other side.
90 mg: White to off-white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘445’ on one side and ‘L’ on other side.
120 mg: Pale-green, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘446’ on one side and ‘L’ on other side.
This medicine is available in blister packs containing 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 28, 30, 49, 50, 84, 100 tablets or multi-packs containing 98 (2 packs of 49) tablets in blisters or 30, 90 tablets in bottles. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Name and address:

Bristol Laboratories Ltd,

Unit 3, Canalside, Northbridge Road,

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP41EG, United Kingdom

Telephone: 0044 (0)1442 200922

Fax: 0044 (0)1442 873717

E-mail:

Manufacturer

axcount Generika GmbH

Max-Planck-StraBe 36 d, 61381 Friedrichsdorf, Germany.

Etoricoxib 30 mg Film-coated Tablets: PL 17907/0574

Etoricoxib 60 mg Film-coated Tablets: PL 17907/0575

Etoricoxib 90 mg Film-coated Tablets: PL 17907/0576

Etoricoxib 120 mg Film-coated Tablets: PL 17907/0577

This leaflet was last revised in January 2020

To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio format, please contact the marketing authorisation holder at the address (or telephone, fax, email) above.

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