Drug Class: Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (Coxib) NSAID | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Berica 120mg Tablet? Berica 120mg contains Etoricoxib — a highly selective COX-2 inhibiting NSAID that provides powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with significantly less stomach irritation than traditional NSAIDs. By selectively targeting COX-2 — the enzyme specifically responsible for inflammation — while largely sparing COX-1 that protects the stomach lining, Etoricoxib delivers effective pain relief with a more favourable gastrointestinal tolerability profile. The 120mg strength is the highest available dose, reserved specifically for acute conditions such as gouty arthritis attacks and post-dental surgical pain where short-term intensive anti-inflammatory action is required. It must be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary under strict medical supervision.
What is Berica 120mg Used For?
- Acute gouty arthritis — sudden severe joint pain and swelling from uric acid crystals (گنٹھیا کا شدید دورہ)
- Ankylosing spondylitis — chronic inflammatory spine and back stiffness (ریڑھ کی ہڈی کی سوزش)
- Rheumatoid arthritis — painful swollen joints with active inflammation (ریمیٹائیڈ گٹھیا)
- Osteoarthritis — joint pain and stiffness particularly of knees and hips (جوڑوں کا درد)
- Moderate to severe post-dental surgical pain — tooth extraction and procedure pain (دانت کے آپریشن کے بعد درد)
- Acute musculoskeletal pain — short-term relief of severe soft tissue pain (شدید پٹھوں کا درد)
How Does it Work? Etoricoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme — the isoform predominantly responsible for producing prostaglandins at sites of inflammation, injury, and pain. By blocking COX-2 with high selectivity, Etoricoxib reduces prostaglandin-mediated pain sensitisation, tissue swelling, and inflammatory response. Because it largely spares COX-1 — the enzyme responsible for stomach-protective prostaglandins and platelet function — it produces less gastrointestinal irritation than non-selective NSAIDs. However its COX-2 selectivity also means it does not provide the antiplatelet cardioprotective effect of Aspirin and carries cardiovascular risks with prolonged use.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ The 120mg dose is for short-term acute use only — maximum 8 days for gout and dental pain. Never use 120mg for chronic conditions. Always take with food. Never combine with other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg. Cardiovascular risk assessment required before prescribing.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute gouty arthritis | 120mg | Once daily | 8 days maximum |
| Post-dental surgical pain | 120mg | Once daily | 3 days maximum |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 60 – 90mg | Once daily | Long-term under supervision |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 60mg | Once daily | Long-term under supervision |
| Osteoarthritis | 30 – 60mg | Once daily | Lowest effective dose |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Etoricoxib | 120mg |
Who Should NOT Take Berica 120mg?
- Allergy to Etoricoxib, Aspirin, or any other NSAID including other COX-2 inhibitors
- Established cardiovascular disease — heart attack, stroke, TIA, or peripheral artery disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension — blood pressure consistently above 140/90mmHg
- Active stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe liver impairment or active liver disease
- Severe kidney impairment
- Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Third trimester of pregnancy — strictly contraindicated
- Children and adolescents under 16 years
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma or NSAID-induced bronchospasm
- Heart failure — any degree
Side Effects
Common: Headache, dizziness, peripheral oedema — ankle swelling (ٹخنوں کی سوجن), elevated blood pressure, mild stomach discomfort, heartburn, nausea — take with food to reduce gastrointestinal effects.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or weakness and numbness on one side — heart attack or stroke signs (دل کا دورہ یا فالج — فوری ہسپتال جائیں), significant worsening of blood pressure, dark tarry stools or vomiting blood (پیٹ سے خون — فوری مدد لیں), severe liver toxicity — yellowing of skin or eyes with abdominal pain (یرقان), significant reduction in urination indicating kidney failure, severe allergic reaction with swelling of face or throat, severe skin blistering or peeling.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg | Greatly increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk — never combine |
| Warfarin / blood thinners | Etoricoxib significantly increases anticoagulant effect — close INR monitoring essential |
| Low-dose Aspirin 75mg — cardiac protection | Etoricoxib does not replace Aspirin's cardioprotective effect — continue cardiac Aspirin separately |
| Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics) | Etoricoxib reduces their effectiveness and raises blood pressure — monitor closely |
| Methotrexate | Etoricoxib increases Methotrexate toxicity — avoid combination |
| Lithium | Etoricoxib increases Lithium blood levels — monitor closely |
| Ciclosporine / Tacrolimus | Increased kidney toxicity risk — monitor renal function |
| Rifampicin | Significantly reduces Etoricoxib blood levels — reduced effectiveness |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Why is Berica 120mg restricted to only 8 days for gout treatment? The 120mg dose provides intensive anti-inflammatory action suitable for acute gout attacks — but this high dose carries significantly increased cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks beyond 8 days. Once the acute attack resolves the dose must be stopped or stepped down under doctor guidance.
Q: Is Berica 120mg safer on the stomach than regular NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac? Etoricoxib's COX-2 selectivity significantly reduces gastric irritation compared to non-selective NSAIDs — however gastrointestinal bleeding risk is not zero, particularly in patients with ulcer history, and stomach protection with a PPI may still be recommended by your doctor.
Q: Can patients with high blood pressure take Berica 120mg safely? Etoricoxib raises blood pressure more than non-selective NSAIDs — it is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with controlled blood pressure must have it monitored closely throughout treatment and report any significant increase immediately.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.