Short-term tolerability of etoricoxib in patients with cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
BACKGROUND
Etoricoxib is a novel cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor. Until now, there has not been information in the literature about its tolerability in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).


OBJECTIVE
To determine the short-term tolerability of etoricoxib in patients with a history of cutaneous adverse reactions to NSAIDs.


METHODS
Single-blind challenge testing was performed on 2 different days using placebo (talc) and etoricoxib. On the first day, 2 placebo capsules were administered 1 hour apart; 7 days later, each patient received divided doses of the total therapeutic dose of 90 mg of etoricoxib: 22.5 mg initially and 67.5 mg 1 hour later if no reactive symptoms were noted.


RESULTS
Of 141 patients who underwent challenge testing with etoricoxib, only 2 (1.4%) had positive test results; both developed wheals on the extremities. These 2 patients were treated with chlorpheniramine maleate (10 mg intravenously), and the symptoms completely resolved within 2 hours. None of the patients experienced adverse reactions to the placebo challenge.


CONCLUSIONS
The low rate of adverse reactions to etoricoxib, tested by oral challenge, suggests that patients with previous cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs (primarily urticaria and angioedema) may tolerate this drug.
Nettis
Eustachio
E
Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Clinic, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. e.nettis@allergy.uniba.it
Colanardi
Maria Cristina
MC
Ferrannini
Antonio
A
Vacca
Angelo
A
Tursi
Alfredo
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D003710:Demography; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D000077613:Etoricoxib; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D013450:Sulfones; D000077613:Etoricoxib