Etoricoxib

tina123

Dear All,

First of all, let me just say, I am so glad to have found this website/forum . It is a lonely, frustrating place to have psoriasis and arthritis at 47 so I hope to find solace in this forum.

I've been prescribed to take Arcoxia 90 mg ( Etoricoxib ) twice a day for 2 weeks for my arthritis and experienced swelling of the lower leg and slight palpitation so I decided to stop taking it. This is the very first time I am taking drugs for my arthritis ( apart from glucosamine ) and I am so scared of the side effects. I am so paranoid that it keeps me awake at night. I am extremely conservative when it comes to taking drugs and am desperate to find natural alternatives.

And would anyone have stories to share about this drug and your experience with it ?

Your input is much appreciated.

T123

helpline_team

Dear T123,

Thanks for your post to Helplines. Sorry to hear that you have these concerns and I can really appreciate that having a chance to sound out some other people might really ease your mind. In terms of forums the Living with arthritis forum here on the Arthritis Care website would be a good place to try - you will stand the chance of more people seeing your question and replying to you.

In addition it's often really useful to explore your concerns with the rheumatology specialist nurse - what are they like to talk to? And at the GP surgery do any of the doctors have a special interest/knowledge of rheumatology? The rheumatology team need to know if you've had potential side effects and definitely if you've stopped a drug.

You are not alone in having mixed feelings about taking drugs long term - but the research shows that untreated inflammatory arthritis is less damaging to health long term when it's treated and managed. If you'd like a chat about what's on your mind - so that you've had a chance to share these concerns, you are most welcome to ring us for a chat. Our number is 0808 800 4050 10am to 4pm weekdays.

Kind regards

Guy

elnafinn

Hi T123

I have been on Arcoxia (Etoricoxib) for a long time. Before that I was prescribed Diclofenac but after a number of years it no longer agreed with me and so I was put on Arcoxia. I have from time to time tried to come off it and have also been asked by consultants to stop taking it before an operation. I always go back onto it though because it helps me so much. I soon notice the difference when I stop taking it. I have osteoarthritis.

Elna

tina123

Thank you for sharing your story, Elna.

Bothwellbuyer

I was taking Arcoxia for a handful of years - it worked well. However, purely by chance when I was being assessed for a knee replacement my blood pressure was found to be sky high. More tests found some damage to my heart.
I stopped the arcoxia and my blood pressure plummeted back to where it should be - it seems its a side effect for some.
I was put on Naproxen which is hopeless - and rips the lining off the stomach despite the lansoprazole you take with it.
So I have now stopped all anti-inflammmatories and am crippled with pain + I think I have developed reactive arthritis following 8 months of a bladder/kidney infection which has been tested checked i hospital.

Blood pressure has risen again I'm sure due to the severe constant pain, so I am now on a different HBP med after taking a reaction to ramipril. And also now using an electric powered wheelchair as i can't walk very far.

I wish I could go back onto arcoxia, but I'm too frightened it will cause more damage to my heart!!
Now on diazepam for all the muscle spasm, suplemented by Robaxin...but yesterday 60mg of diazepam still didn't take the spasms away!!
Aside of the reactive arthritis, I have arthritis in the lower spine following an accident 28 years ago, and arthritis in the knees but no way am I trying replacement knees...too many horror stories!

helpline_team

Dear Bothwellbuyer,

Thank you for your post to Helplines. The pain that you are living with sounds really tough. I don't know whether you've considered ringing us on the phone, but if you did fancy a chat we'd be happy to listen and signpost if you'd like us to.

So many people have had to keep away from some of their medication, and especially anti inflammatories, owing to side effects. Generally these times can be very testing for your self management skills and can affect your confidence in tackling bad days.

We'd be happy to spend some time if you'd like to tell us what it's like at the moment. Also we'd probably want to hear what you find does help you at difficult moments. I'm always amazed by how resourceful people with arthritis are, but that a change in the circumstances can be de-skilling, even for those who may have many life skills.

You might find this link interesting http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Selfmanagement

I hope that's helpful

Guy

Bothwellbuyer

Thanks Guy. I did phone the helpline but it was busy so I left my name and I thought my mobile. We are having some work done in the house and have managed to cut the phone cable so the house phone is u/s. I'll try phoning back.
After a bad day yesterday with handfuls of tablets I got a 7 hour sleep last night! Still very very stiff and sore today but need to wait til tomorrow to try for a time to see a GP - to their credit they did give me a time of 3.40pm today but I couldn't get off the chair lol !!

helpline_team

Hi again,

If you've left us a voice mail we will always return your call. We are not allowed to ring mobile numbers and do more than leave a brief message for reasons of cost, but our free phone number should be free for most mobiles and BT land lines.

Kind regards

Guy