Unfortunately, various inflammatory diseases are very common, and for sure every person has faced a similar problem at least once in his life. Naturally, there are various drugs that help stop the development of the inflammatory process. And the medicine "Arkoxia" is considered quite good. Reviews of doctors about this tool are positive, as it really helps to cope with the disease, eliminate pain and fever. So what is included in its composition? In what cases can it be taken? Are there any contraindications? The answers to these questions are of interest to many patients.
Composition and form of release of the drug
Biconvex tablets of an interesting apple-shaped form, film-coated - in this form, the drug "Arkoxia" is produced. Injections, oral solutions, gels, ointments - these forms of the drug do not exist.
The main active component of the drug is etoricoxib. By the way, the pharmacy sells tablets of different colors depending on the amount of active substance - they can be green (60 mg of etoricoxib), white (90 mg) or light green (120 mg).
Naturally, some auxiliary components are present in the composition: magnesium stearate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium and microcrystalline cellulose. The film membrane consists of carnauba wax, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose monohydrate, triacetin, aluminum varnish based on indigo carmine and, of course, the main dyes (opadry white or green depending on the dosage).
The tablets are placed in convenient blisters of seven pieces. In the pharmacy you can buy packages with one or three such blisters.
The 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, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, blocking the development of the inflammatory process. The drug "Arkoxia" 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 medicine, it is rapidly absorbed, its bioavailability is 100%. The maximum concentration in the blood is observed after 1 hour. The active component binds to plasma proteins by more than 92%. It is excreted mainly through the kidneys, and only 20% of the substances excreted in the feces.
Indications for use
In what cases is it advisable to take the medicine "Arkoxia"? Its use is quite wide, since it provides a quick analgesic effect, and also allows you to eliminate the inflammatory process. Nevertheless, most often the drug is prescribed to patients suffering from osteoarthrosis 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 undergone dental surgery.
The drug "Arkoxia" (tablets): instructions for use and dosage
In no case should you use this medication yourself. Only a doctor can prescribe and talk about how to take Arkoxia (tablets) correctly. The instruction contains only general recommendations.
Dosage, as a rule, depends on the patient's condition and the type of his problem. For example, with 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. With gouty arthritis, you can take 120 mg per day. The duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician. Nevertheless, the maximum allowable treatment period is 8-10 days, after which the reception must be stopped at least temporarily.
With caution, the medicine is prescribed for people suffering from liver failure - the daily dose in such cases should not exceed 60 mg.
Are there any contraindications?
Immediately it is worth saying that this drug can not be taken by all categories of patients. The drug has contraindications, a 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 diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease;
- bleeding disorders, including hemophilia;
- severe heart failure;
- severe renal and hepatic failure;
- severe coronary heart disease;
- the period after coronary artery bypass grafting;
- persistent arterial hypertension;
- children's age (the drug is not prescribed for children under 16 years of age);
- pregnancy, lactation, as well as the period of pregnancy planning.
The drug also has some relative contraindications, in which therapy is possible, but only with constant monitoring by the attending physician. With caution, the medicine is prescribed for 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 what complications the use of Arkoxia medication can lead to. Reviews of doctors indicate that patients taking 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 noted the appearance of nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, belching, and dry mouth.
Possible side effects also include headaches, weakness, confusion, sleep disturbances, anxiety, problems with concentration, depressive states, blurred vision, vertigo, and tinnitus.
Sometimes there are disorders of the respiratory system, in particular cough, as well as nosebleeds. The drug can affect the cardiovascular system, causing an increase in pressure, heart palpitations, very rarely stagnation, cerebrovascular accident, 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 treatment methods
Is an overdose of the drug "Arkoxia" possible. Testimonials from doctors and statistical studies indicate that no such cases have been officially reported. 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. Overdosing can aggravate the side effects present on the part of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Therapy in this case is symptomatic and is aimed at eliminating the existing disorders.
Interaction with other drugs
With the simultaneous use of Arcoxia and anticoagulants, it is necessary to carefully monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) - the ratio of the prothrombin time of this patient to the average prothrombin time - especially in the first few days of therapy.
The simultaneous use of this medication with large doses of acetylsalicylic acid increases the risk of ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Simultaneous therapy with tacrolimus and cyclosporins increases the likelihood of manifestation of nephrotoxicity.
The medicine may interact with some oral contraceptives, increasing the risk of developing thromboembolism, so be sure to tell your doctor about the hormones you are taking before starting therapy - they may need to be replaced.
Arkoxia 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 medicine "Arkoxia". Analogues of this tool exist, and there are quite a lot of them.
For example, when it comes to pain relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Diclofenac (incidentally, also available in the form of a gel for external use), Ketonal and many others are considered quite popular.
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 strictly contraindicated.
How much is the medicine?
Many patients are interested in the question of how much the drug "Arkoxia" costs. The price, of course, will depend on some 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 the medicine “Arkoxia” cost? The price of a pack of seven tablets of 60 mg ranges from 350 to 450 rubles. Three blisters will cost about 1100 rubles. Dosage is another factor on which the cost of Arkoxia depends. 90 mg tablets 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 experts think about the drug "Arkoxia". The reviews of doctors are mostly positive. The fact is that pills really relieve pain. Moreover, they inhibit the development of the inflammatory process and help normalize body temperature during fever. In addition, tablets do not affect the liver and digestive system as destructively as some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. On the other hand, far from every patient can take the drug, since there are relatively many contraindications.
Patients for the most part also respond positively to the medicine. This tool actually alleviates 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 show contraindications or side effects appear, but it is worthwhile to understand 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.