Long-term tolerability of etoricoxib in different types of NSAID-intolerant subjects.

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a frequent cause of hypersensitivity reactions, therefore, in clinical practice, it's important to find safe and effective substances.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the tolerability of etoricoxib and its subsequent actual use and safety at home.

METHODS

Etoricoxib tolerance was assessed by single-blind-placebo-controlled oral challenges and its subsequent use was checked by a standardized telephone call. The test was performed in 139 subjects (83 single NSAID reactors and 56 multiple NSAID reactors).

RESULTS

The drug was not tolerated in 4 cases (2.8%) causing wheals on the face area in 3 single reactors and a severe generalised reaction occurring three hours after the intake of a therapeutic dose in a multiple reactor. The phone calls showed that 64 (52.8%) patients did not take etoricoxib, mostly due to the fear of adverse effects; in 5 cases (4.2%), the practitioner prescribed a different NSAIDs. Only 52 (43%) subjects took etoricoxib after oral challenges; all tolerated the drug but 2 single reactors, who reported a very mild labial oedema.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the good long-term tolerability of etoricoxib in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs without differences between single and multiple reactors. Nonetheless, in NSAID-intolerant subjects this drug should be first challenged in specialised centres due to the risk ofsevere reactions.