Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet belongs to a group of medications called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout in people greater than 16 years of age. Besides this, it is also used to treat moderate pain after dental surgery. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease in which the tissue supporting the joints wears down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks its tissue leading to joint pain and inflammation. Ankylosing spondylitis is the inflammation of the spine and large joints. Gout is characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints due to the deposition of uric acid crystals.

Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet contains ‘etoricoxib’, which works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger called prostaglandin, produced by COX-2, which is responsible for pain, swelling and inflammation. Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet acts at the affected area and acts specifically at the pain site. The benefit of COX-2 inhibitors is that they protect the stomach lining from the ulcer effect caused by other painkillers, ibuprofen and aspirin.

Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet is available in tablet form and injection. Take an oral form of Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet as advised by your doctor. A healthcare professional will give the injection form of Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet, do not self-administer. Common side-effects of Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet are stomach pain, dry socket, swelling of the legs, dizziness, headache, palpitations (pounding heart), increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, constipation, flatulence, gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), heartburn, diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia), nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe), mouth ulcers, general weakness and flu-like illness (fever, cold, cough, or sore throat).

Do not take Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet if you are allergic to etoricoxib, other pain killers or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if you have ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, severe liver and/or kidney impairment, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), uncontrolled blood pressure, or heart problems such as chest pain, heart attack or heart failure and stroke. Do not take it if you are under 16 years of age, pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are dehydrated (because of vomiting or diarrhoea), have oedema (swelling due to fluid retention), have an infection, diabetes (high blood sugar) and high cholesterol, are a smoker or have an age above 65 years.

Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet contains ‘etoricoxib’ which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It acts as both analgesic (reduces pain) and an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) agent. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins which are inflammatory mediators. The blocking of COX-2 reduces the production of prostaglandins, eventually decreasing pain and inflammation.

Before taking Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcer, liver or kidney diseases, dehydration because of prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea and swelling due to fluid retention. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure that is not treated or controlled, as Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet may increase blood pressure in some cases. Do not take Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet if you are treated for infection, as Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet can mask fever (a sign of disease). Do not take Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet if you smoke, have diabetes (high blood sugar), or high cholesterol, as Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Avoid lying down for at least half an hour after using Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet. People who have had heart attacks and strokes should not take Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet.

• Your doctor may monitor liver and kidney function if Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet is prescribed for the long term. 
• Inform your doctor before taking the Bitcoxib 120mg Tablet if you had a history of a heart attack, bypass surgery or peripheral arterial disease.