Tolerance to etoricoxib in 37 patients with urticaria and angioedema induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
BACKGROUND
The use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, a new class of analgesic drugs, is suggested in patients with hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate tolerance to etoricoxib, a new cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in NSAID-sensitive patients with urticaria-type adverse reactions.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients with adverse reactions to NSAIDs.


METHODS
Single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenge with increasing doses of etoricoxib.


RESULTS
Thirty-four patients tolerated etoricoxib treatment without adverse reactions, but a generalized urticarial rash developed in 3 patients (8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Etoricoxib, like other cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, is a well-tolerated drug in most NSAID-sensitive patients. However, according to our experience, a previous challenge test in a safe environment may be necessary before prescribing the drug to such patients.
Muratore
Lionello
L
Allergology and Clinical Immunology Service, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy.
Ventura
Mariateresa
M
Calogiuri
Gianfranco
G
Calcagnile
Fabio
F
Quarta
Eugenio
E
Muratore
Maurizio
M
Ferrannini
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000799:Angioedema / Q000139:chemically induced; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D000077613:Etoricoxib; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013450:Sulfones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000139:chemically induced
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D013450:Sulfones; D001241:Aspirin; D000077613:Etoricoxib