Pain is a discomfort or sensation that can cause both physical and mental mishaps. Everyone must have felt pain at least once in their lifetime and a person’s way of identifying pain or acknowledging pain can differ from one to another. Pain can range from mild to severe. Many people might be thinking that pain is something that should not be happening or even exist as it often causes misery but pain does play importance in life. In terms of the human body, pain serves as a messenger to help the human body to prevent further problems to the site that cause pain such as damaged tissue from trauma injury. Medicines such as ARCOXIA 120 mg help to alleviate pain.
ARCOXIA is one of the many painkillers that is available in the market. You may wonder what type of painkiller ARCOXIA belongs to. ARCOXIA belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). This is because ARCOXIA contains etoricoxib. NSAID in general works to reduce the inflammation process in the body and ultimately act as pain relief. In the inflammation process, pain is one of the symptoms that is common to be seen or experienced when an inflammation reaction occurs in the human body. Etoricoxib works by blocking the action of the enzyme in the body known as cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). The COX-2 enzyme develops other chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for most inflammation processes in the body that produce pain sensation as its inflammation sign. By blocking the COX-2 enzymes, less prostaglandins are produced.
In general, NSAIDs work in 2 ways, either blocking the COX-1 or COX-2 enzyme. Both work to reduce inflammation but the big difference between the two is that blocking COX-1 enzyme may decrease the natural protective mucus that line the stomach whereas blocking COX-2 enzyme is less likely to cause such an event. By blocking COX-1 enzyme, it increases risk for damages to the stomach and may lead to dangerous disease such as ulcer and bleeding of the gut system. This is why NSAIDs other than COX-2 specific inhibitors are not recommended for those at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding such as those with history of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, long term use of corticosteroid, usage of anticoagulant and alcoholism. Hence, it is common to see ARCOXIA to be prescribed in most cases when it comes to usage of NSAIDs as it is well tolerated in most patients especially in those with risk of stomach issues.
ARCOXIA is prescribed as a painkiller for many diseases that are based on inflammation reaction such as in arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat pain during gout attack, pain following minor dental procedures and menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea). ARCOXIA should be used in the shortest duration possible and with the lowest effective dose. Doctors will often decide how long a patient should be on ARCOXIA and dosage needed. This will depend on the evaluation of the patient’s overall health status. Patients have to take ARCOXIA as directed by doctors and to not take it excessively.
ARCOXIA, just as with any other drugs, do have potential side effects. Common ones include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, raised blood pressure and swollen ankles. Skin reactions may occur but it is rare. Although it is rare, once it occurs, it may actually be a serious issue. Skin reactions such as sudden rash or itchiness after taking the medicine, should be addressed to the doctor immediately. This is important to be taken seriously to prevent serious skin issues known as Steven-Johnson syndrome. Side effects to the gastrointestinal tract such as abdominal pain, heartburn and indigestion may still be possible with use of ARCOXIA but is less likely compared to other kinds of NSAIDs unless it is used in the elderly for a long period of time.
In essence, ARCOXIA is part of NSAID but specifically a COX-2 inhibitor. There are many kinds of NSAIDs available but it is best to use NSAIDs that are prescribed by a doctor. ARCOXIA is a good painkiller as it poses less risk for stomach issues when compared to other NSAIDs. ARCOXIA, as a painkiller, should only be used during painful times and should not be used on an everyday basis. Significant pain relief effect can be seen as fast as 4 hours after taking it. If a patient is taking other kinds of medication or has medical conditions such as hypertension, heart diseases and kidney problems, the patient should let their doctor know before taking ARCOXIA. Painkillers should not be used for a long period of time unless as advised by a doctor or under medical supervision. If pain still persists or gets worse even after taking painkillers, the patient should get in touch with the doctor for further reassessment or re-evaluate. This is vital to understand the core or root problem that has been causing the pain to be continuous. It may also provide answers to other medical conditions that may predispose to the pain.
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