Etrik MR Tablet

Etrik MR tablet is used to relieve pain, swelling & inflammatory conditions affecting the muscle or surrounding joints. It contains etoricoxib and thiocolchicoside as active ingredients. This medicine works by blocking the inflammatory effects of the chemicals and also blocks the signal transmission in the brain and spinal cord and relaxes the contracted muscles.

Thiocolchicoside acts as a muscle relaxant whereas etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs ). Etrik MR tablet should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed. You can take this with or without food.

But it will be better if you take it with meals to avoid an upset stomach.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose of Etrik MR tablet may increase the side effects (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, palpitation, etc.) of this medicine. If you think you have taken more than the required dose, contact your doctor or visit a nearby hospital immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you forget a dose of Etrik MR tablet, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Certain substances, when released in the body, produce pain and inflammatory condition in the body. So, the affected area becomes red, painful and swollen. Etoricoxib belongs to a group of medicine that blocks the effect of inflammatory chemicals. So, all the symptoms related to it improves gradually.
• The signals and chemicals released by the brain and spinal cord are responsible for muscle stiffness and pain of the muscle and joints.
• Thiocolchicoside interrupts this signal transmission process in the brain and spinal cord and thus relieves muscle spasms and pain associated with it. Thus, this medicine eventually helps in restoring the movement of muscles and joints.

Directions for Use

• Etrik MR tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results.
• You should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Etrik MR tablet during pregnancy?

• Etrik MR tablet should not be taken during pregnancy as there is limited safety data available. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue this medicine and immediately contact your doctor.
• Proper birth control measures should be taken while consuming it.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be or are planning for a baby, you should consult your doctor before starting this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Etrik MR tablet while breastfeeding?

Etrik MR tablet should not be used while breastfeeding as there is limited safety information available.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Etrik MR tablet?

You may experience dizziness, vertigo, sleepiness while on treatment with Etrik MR tablet. Thus, you should avoid driving if you experience any of these effects.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Etrik MR tablet?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Etrik MR tablets as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You had or have stomach bleeding or ulcer.
• You are suffering from liver or kidney problems.
• You have high blood pressure, your doctor may need to check your blood pressure more often.
• You have infections.
• You have diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking habits (as it may increase the chances of a heart problem).
• You have problems with fits.
• You are suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea and are dehydrated.
• You have swelling due to water retention (excess fluid) in the body.
• You have a history of heart problems (like a heart-pumping problem or other diseases related to the heart).
• You are over 65 years of age.
• You are pregnant, planning to have a baby or breastfeeding.
• This medicine should not be given to children below 16 years of age.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to etoricoxib, thiocolchicoside or any other ingredients of Etrik MR tablet.
• If you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, bleeding from ulcers.
• If you have any problems with your liver and kidney.
• If you had or have heart problems like heart failure, heart attack, bypass surgery or stroke.
• If you have high blood pressure that has not been previously controlled.
• If you have any inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or colitis.
• If you have a history of ulcer or bleeding previously.
• If you have an allergy to painkillers (NSAIDs) like aspirin or Ibuprofen.
• If you're pregnant, planning to have a baby or are breastfeeding.
• If you are below 16 years of age.

Side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain/discomfort
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Sleepiness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Etrik MR tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially if you are taking medicines used to modify immune responses such as Methotrexate, Cyclosporin or Tacrolimus, medicines used to treat psychiatric illnesses such as Lithium containing products, medicines used for heart disorders such as Enalapril, Losartan, Digoxin and water pills, blood-thinning medicines or anticoagulants such as Warfarin.
• Concomitant use of Etrik MR tablet along with antibiotics like Rifampicin for various infections and painkillers like Aspirin may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Concomitant use of Etrik MR tablets should be avoided during hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, as it may increase your risk of side effects.
• Other medicines such as Salbutamol, Minoxidil, Voriconazole should be used cautiously.

Storage and disposal

• Store Etrik MR tablets in the original pack in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and moisture.
• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am suffering from high blood pressure, can I take Etrik MR tablet?

Etrik MR tablet increases the chances of heart attack and stroke and also decreases the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering medicines. So, you should avoid this medicine in such a condition. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Is Etrik MR tablet habit-forming?

No, Etrik MR tablet is not habit-forming. However, it should be used as per dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.

I am on birth control pills, can I use Etrik MR tablet?

Birth control pills contain a human-made form of a hormone called oestrogen. If you take Etrik MR tablet with birth control pills, the level of oestrogen in the body increases, thus increasing the side effects as well. So always tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before using this medicine.

Is Etrik MR tablet a painkiller?

Yes, Etrik MR tablet is a pain killer.

Will the Etrik MR Tablet be more effective if I take higher doses?

No, you should not take higher than the recommended dose as per your doctor's prescription. Taking a higher dose of this medicine will do no good, rather increase the side effects. If you feel the symptoms are not improving or getting severe, please consult the doctor for re-evaluation.