Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets

What are Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets?

Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets belong to a class of medications that selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals that are linked to increasing pain sensation. They are very similar to other anti-inflammatories.

What are Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets best used for?

This medication is indicated for the treatment of pain that is associated with inflammation such as musculoskeletal pain, dental pain and gout.

They can also be used for chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Are Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets free of all side effects associated with anti-inflammatories?

Like all medications, you should use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible. Taking this type of medication and NSAIDs long-term can have implications for renal and cardiovascular health. It is important that if you need these treatments long-term you have an annual review. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

How to take Anti-Inflammatory Pain Tablets

Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or as listed on the prescription. Depending on the type of condition or pain you’re trying to treat, the dosage may vary.

The recommended dose for acute pain is:

• ONE 60mg tablet taken once daily

For other chronic conditions if the 60mg dose is not sufficient your doctor may advise an increased dose - though this should be done as part of a review with your healthcare provider.

Chronic conditions include: Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Gout.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, there are possible side effects when taking these tablets although not everybody gets them. If you do experience any of the following, stop taking the treatment and discuss it with your GP.

The most common side effect is

• Stomach pain

If you develop any of these signs you should stop taking these tablets and talk to your doctor immediately

• 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

For a full list of the potential side effects please read the patient information leaflet

Warnings

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these tablets 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 Tablets 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. These tablets 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