Etoricoxib not working. How long should it take?

CuriousSquirrel

Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone has any success stories (or not!) with etoricoxib.

I was taking the maximum dose of over-the-counter ibuprofen for a few weeks and although it definitely didn't make most of the pain go away, I noticed an improvement in some of my newer symptoms, such as the stabbing jaw pains, dull ache and tenderness in lower back, and tendonitis-like pain in my arms.

I have now been taking Etoricoxib for a week and have noticed that my jaw is more painful again, and additionally the other side starts grinding when I eat sometimes. My lower back is hurting again, elbows feel bruised all the time and I have also noticed my ankles and one of my knees are swollen. I spoke to a rheumatologist on the phone a few days ago and she said just keep taking it, and seemed surprised when I said it was less effective than ibuprofen.

I've read that the anti inflammatory effects can take a while to build up but the painkilling effects are supposed to start pretty quickly. I always have to stop reading after a while because most of the internet is just saying "don't take etoricoxib!" because of how dangerous it is for your heart. I have also read the page about NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories on the Versus Arthritis site many times over!

Wondering how long I should keep taking it before trying to demand something else or just going back to ibuprofen?

Shell_H

Hi @CuriousSquirrel

I've had a look at our information page here and I can't see that there is a period for Etoricoxib to work, so personally I'd get back in touch with your doctor and say it's not working. As it's an NSAID it shouldn't have a long period to start working (in theory!)

Good luck!

CuriousSquirrel

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/686206#Comment_686206

Thanks, that's what I thought! I will mention it as soon as I can get in touch with somebody.

prycecheck2

They didn't have any effect at all on me. I might as well have taken a placebo. Ibuprofen had more effect than these tablets.

Poppyjane

Hello @prycecheck2 welcome to the online community

Thank you for your input as to the efficacy of etoricoxib for you. We so often say one treatment, one drug, one particular exercise will work for one individual and not for another. The medics try hard to fit together the puzzle of symptoms that are presented to them and can only prescribe in the hope that a particular treatment will work for each of us.

I hope that the treatment you now have is working for you. If you feel able to share your personal experience with us in the community we provide a safe and friendly space here. I hope you can browse round and join in with the great range of discussions and activities in the future.

Meanwhile it is great to hear from you today.

Best wishes

Poppyjane