Etoricoxib: What It Is and When People Use It

Etoricoxib is a prescription painkiller in the COX-2 inhibitor class. People take it for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and short-term relief of acute pain like dental or muscle pain. If you want a drug that targets inflammation without some of the stomach issues linked to older NSAIDs, etoricoxib is often considered.

How it works is simple: etoricoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme, which lowers inflammation and pain signals. That makes joints less stiff and painful, and it can help you move more comfortably. It doesn’t block COX-1 as much, so the risk of stomach ulcers can be lower than with non-selective NSAIDs, but other risks remain.

Common Doses and Practical Tips

Doses vary by condition. For osteoarthritis, doctors commonly prescribe 30 mg once daily. For rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, doses are often 60 mg once daily. Short-term acute pain may use 90 mg for up to a few days, but higher doses raise risks. Always follow your prescriber — don’t adjust dose or skip a medical review if pain persists.

Take etoricoxib with food if it upsets your stomach. Drink enough water and avoid heavy alcohol while on it. If you notice digestive bleeding, black stools, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or severe swelling, stop taking it and seek medical help.

Side Effects, Risks, and Interactions

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, and swelling in legs or ankles. More serious risks are heart attack, stroke, and worsening high blood pressure — especially if you already have heart disease or risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Etoricoxib can also harm kidney function in some people, particularly if you’re dehydrated, elderly, or taking diuretics.

Drug interactions matter. Avoid mixing etoricoxib with other NSAIDs or blood thinners unless a doctor says it's safe. It can interact with some blood pressure meds, lithium, and certain antidepressants. Tell your clinician about every prescription, over-the-counter drug, and supplement you take.

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, active stomach ulcers, or severe liver disease, etoricoxib might not be right for you. Pregnant women, especially in the late stages, should avoid COX-2 inhibitors.

Looking for alternatives? For mild pain, acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help without the same cardiovascular or stomach risks. Non-selective NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) still work for many cases but carry higher ulcer risk. For chronic inflammatory arthritis, disease-modifying drugs or biologics might be more appropriate than long-term painkillers.

Want practical steps? Get a clear diagnosis, try the lowest effective dose, review heart and kidney risk with your doctor, and plan regular check-ups if you use etoricoxib for more than a few weeks. Ask about combining medication with physical therapy, weight loss, or joint-support exercises — those often reduce the need for higher doses.

If you’re unsure whether etoricoxib fits your situation, talk to your healthcare provider. They can compare benefits and risks and suggest safer options tailored to your health profile.