The safety of etoricoxib in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

This study investigated the safety of etoricoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They found that etoricoxib did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are conditions that cause painful swelling in the joins and bones of the body. They are caused by excessive inflammation. To reduce the symptoms patients are prescribed medication to dampen the immune response.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDS such as diclofenac and naproxen are often prescribed to RA and OA patients. These target enzymes called cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1, COX-2). However, long-term use of these is not ideal, as targeting COX-1 can be toxic to the gastrointestinal system (stomach and gut).

Etoricoxib is an NSAID that specifically targets COX-2. The safety of this treatment is still under investigation.

This study investigated the safety of etoricoxib in the treatment of RA and OA.

This study analyzed data from 9 studies that investigated the gastrointestinal safety of etoricoxib in patients with RA and OA. In these studies, the effects of etoricoxib were compared to diclofenac, naproxen or placebo (medication with no effect).

Etoricoxib was not associated with gastrointestinal adverse events (GAEs) compared to control or other COX inhibitors.  Etoricoxib was associated with a reduced risk of GAEs compared to diclofenac (-33%) and naproxen (-41%).

This study concluded that etoricoxib did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events.

This study compared results across a number of different clinical reports. There were many differences between these trials. Although etoricoxib may be safe in terms of GAEs there may be other side effects that should be considered. Etoricoxib is not yet FDA approved in the United States.

If you have any questions relating to treatment of RA or OA, please discuss this with your doctor.