Starcox Tablet 60mg

About Starcox Tablet 60mg

Starcox Tablet Uses

• Osteoarthritis causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Rheumatoid arthritis presenting with joint inflammation and pain.
• Ankylosing spondylitis affecting the spine and causing chronic back pain.
• Acute gout attacks causing sudden, severe joint pain and swelling.
• Acute pain following dental surgery.
• Primary dysmenorrhea, relieving cramping pain during menstruation.

Starcox Tablet Benefits

• Selectively targets the COX-2 enzyme, sparing the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach lining.
• Lower risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding compared to traditional nonselective NSAIDs.
• Convenient once daily dosing for most conditions.
• Effective across a wide range of arthritis and acute pain conditions.
• Suitable for longer term arthritis management when stomach tolerance is a concern.

What Experts Say

Starcox contains Etoricoxib, which selectively blocks the COX-2 enzyme responsible for producing the prostaglandins that drive pain, swelling, and inflammation. Unlike traditional NSAIDs, Etoricoxib largely spares the COX-1 enzyme, which protects the stomach lining, and this selectivity is why Starcox carries a lower risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding than older NSAIDs.

This selectivity comes with a trade-off. COX-2 selective medicines like Etoricoxib are associated with a higher cardiovascular risk than some traditional NSAIDs, including an increased chance of heart attack and stroke, particularly with higher doses or long term use. This is why Starcox is not recommended for patients with existing heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.

Etoricoxib is metabolized in the liver and eliminated mainly through urine. It can also raise blood pressure more than some other NSAIDs, so blood pressure should be checked periodically during treatment, especially in patients already being treated for hypertension.

Drug Class

• Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)

Packaging and Quantity

• Pack of 14 tablets (2 strips of 7 tablets each).

When Not to Use Starcox

• If you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Etoricoxib or other NSAIDs.
• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• If you have established heart disease, a history of stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
• If you have an active stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Starcox Tablet 60mg formula

• Etoricoxib

Available forms

• Tablets

How to use Starcox Tablet 60mg?

• Starcox tablet may be taken with or without food, though food can help if it causes stomach upset.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed or chewed.
• Starcox tablet is usually taken once daily, with the exact dose depending on the condition being treated.
• Treatment is generally started at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
• Blood pressure should be monitored periodically during treatment, particularly in the first few weeks.
• The dose should not be increased or the course extended beyond what a doctor has recommended.

Drug Interactions

Starcox tablet has several interactions worth particular attention, especially around cardiovascular and kidney risk. The following should be noted:

• Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets: Combining Etoricoxib with Warfarin, Aspirin, or Clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding and cardiovascular events.
• ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and Diuretics: Etoricoxib may reduce the effectiveness of these blood pressure medicines and increase strain on the kidneys.
• Lithium: Etoricoxib can raise blood Lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Other NSAIDs: Combining Etoricoxib with other NSAIDs increases the risk of stomach bleeding without added benefit.

Risks and warnings

• Cardiovascular risk: Etoricoxib carries a higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to some other NSAIDs, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use.
• Blood pressure: Etoricoxib can raise blood pressure, and existing hypertension should be well controlled before starting treatment.
• Fluid retention: Swelling and fluid retention can occur, which may worsen heart failure or high blood pressure.
• Kidney disease: Etoricoxib can affect kidney function, so caution is needed in patients with existing kidney problems.
• Liver disease: Etoricoxib should be avoided in patients with severe liver impairment.
• Pregnancy: Starcox tablet should be avoided, especially in the third trimester, since NSAIDs can affect fetal heart circulation and delay labor.
• Elderly patients: Older adults face a higher risk of cardiovascular and stomach related side effects and should be monitored closely.

Starcox Tablet Side Effects

Because Starcox tablet spares the stomach protective COX-1 enzyme, its side effect pattern differs somewhat from older NSAIDs, commonly including:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Swelling in the legs or ankles.
• Indigestion.

Effects that call for prompt medical attention are less common but include:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness on one side of the body.
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as black stools or vomiting blood.
• Severe allergic reaction including facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, below 30°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Store in the original packaging until ready to use.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink.