Everyone must have felt pain sensation in their lifetime. It can be mild to severe pain. Pain can be caused by physical or emotional pain. Pain, as defined by International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. This translates to pain exists because there is actual or potential tissue damage. Some people might wonder why we need to feel pain when pain is just causing misery. The truth is, pain is important in life, especially in the human body. Truthfully, pain is inevitable. Sensation of pain lets the body know that it needs extra attention and care. It also acts as a signal to trigger the body response to help heal the possible site of the cause such as damaged tissue leading to pain. There are many medicines available that help to alleviate pain. These medicines exist in many forms, shapes and sizes. Some are traditional, some are modern. One of the medicines used to alleviate pain is Arcoxia 120 mg.
Arcoxia contains etoricoxib. It belongs to a group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAID works to reduce inflammation in the body and act as pain relief. Etoricoxib works by blocking the action of the enzyme in the body known as cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). The COX-2 enzyme develops other chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for most inflammation processes in the body that produce pain sensation as its inflammation sign. By blocking the COX-2 enzymes, less prostaglandins are produced.
Is Arcoxia a good painkiller? Without a doubt, yes, it is a good painkiller. In general, NSAIDs work in 2 ways, either blocking the COX-1 or COX-2 enzyme. Both work to reduce inflammation but the big difference between the two is that blocking COX-1 enzyme may decrease the natural protective mucus that lines the stomach whereas blocking COX-2 enzyme is less likely to cause such an event. By blocking COX-1 enzyme, it increases risk for damages to the stomach and may lead to dangerous disease such as ulcer and bleeding of the gut system. This is why NSAIDs other than COX-2 specific inhibitors are not recommended for those at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding such as those with history of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, long term use of corticosteroid, usage of anticoagulant and alcoholism.
Arcoxia is prescribed as a painkiller for many diseases involving inflammation such as in arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat pain during gout attack, pain following minor dental procedures and menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea). Arcoxia should be used in the shortest duration possible and with the lowest effective dose. Doctors will decide how long you should go on Arcoxia and how much you will need. This will depend on the evaluation of the patient’s overall health status. You should take Arcoxia as directed by doctors by not taking it excessively.
Although Arcoxia is a good painkiller, just as with other drugs, it does have potential side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, raised blood pressure and swollen ankle. If you find skin reactions such as sudden rash or itchiness after using this medicine, do let your healthcare provider know immediately to prevent cases of serious skin issues known as Steven-Johnson syndrome. Side effects to the gastrointestinal tract such as abdominal pain, heartburn and indigestion may still be possible with use of Arcoxia but is less likely compared to older generation of NSAIDs unless it is used in the elderly for a long period of time.
In essence, Arcoxia is a good painkiller since it poses less risk for stomach issues compared to other NSAIDs. It should only be used during the painful period and not on an everyday basis. Significant pain relief effect can be seen as fast as 4 hours after taking it. If you are taking other medication or have medical conditions such as hypertension, heart diseases and kidney problems, you should let your doctor know before taking this medicine.
Managing pain is so much more than taking painkillers. Furthermore, not all pain actually is able to be cured by painkillers. Thus, you should always seek medical advice whenever you feel pain, especially pain that does not go away even after taking medicine. Here are what you can do at home before you go to a doctor and ask for treatment in cases that the pain gets worst or severe:
- Use hot or cold packs on injured or swelling sites. Heat patches are better to relieve joint and muscle pain. Cold packs are better at reducing pain and inflammation from recent injuries.
- Take warm baths and gently stretch while relaxing in the bathtub. Warm water helps to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation processes in the body triggering pain.
- Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. This helps to reduce stress and ensure you are relaxed, preventing muscle tension or anxiety from pilling up the pain.
- Try to stick to a regular sleep routine. A good quality sleep can definitely help your body heal and ease your mind. Sleep deprivation can make pain worse.
