Active ingredient: Etoricoxib

Brand Name: Arcoxia

Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Mechanism of Action:

Etoricoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that reduces inflammation and pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Etoricoxib can potentially affect ovulation and cervical mucus production due to its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are essential for follicle rupture and the maintenance of cervical mucus. Consequently, the use of etoricoxib may impair fertility by making it more difficult to track fertile windows on monitoring charts, as decreased cervical mucus can hinder sperm viability. Although these effects may be temporary, caution is advised when using etoricoxib during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.

First 
Second
Third

Ovulation

References:

Bindu S, Mazumder S and Bandyopadhyay U (2020). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective. Biochem Pharmacol. 180: 1-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID: 32653589; PMCID: PMC7347500. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32653589/ Brown J, Crawford TJ, Allen C, Hopewell S, Prentice A (2017). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for pain in women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004753. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004753.pub4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464974/ Edelman AB, Jensen JT, Doom C, Hennebold JD (2013). Impact of the Prostaglandin Synthase-2 Inhibitor Celecoxib on Ovulation And Luteal Events In Women. Contraception. 87(3):352-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.07.004. Epub 2012 Aug 16. PMID: 22902348; PMCID: PMC4040982 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4040982/ European League Against Rheumatism (2015). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit ovulation after just 10 days. ScienceDaily. Available ay: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150611082124.htm Ghlichloo I and Gerriets V (2023). Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/ Mendonça LL, Khamashta MA, Nelson-Piercy C, Hunt BJ and Hughes GR (2000). Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs as A Possible Cause for Reversible Infertility. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2000; 39(8): 880–882 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10952743/ Osafo N, Agyare C, Obiri DD and Antwi AO (2017). Mechanism of Action of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. IntechOpen DOI: 10.5772/68090 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319243374_Mechanism_of_Action_of_Nonsteroidal_Anti-Inflammatory_Drugs Vane JR and Botting RM (1998). Mechanism of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Am J Med. 104(3A):2S-8S; discussion 21S-22S. DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(97)00203-9. PMID: 9572314. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9572314/

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not include all possible interactions or side effects of medication. The effects on fertility biomarkers can vary and may depend on the dosage, how long the medication is used, the medical condition, or other factors. This database is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional if you have questions about medications, fertility, or medical conditions.