Drug Class: Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (Coxib) NSAID | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Berica 60mg Tablet? Berica 60mg contains Etoricoxib 60mg — the standard maintenance dose for long-term management of chronic inflammatory joint conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. As the lowest strength in the Berica range, it provides effective once-daily pain and inflammation relief with a more favourable cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk profile compared to higher doses. It is the preferred starting and maintenance dose for chronic conditions requiring consistent daily anti-inflammatory coverage — with dose escalation to 90mg or 120mg reserved for acute flare-ups or specific short-term indications under specialist assessment.
What is Berica 60mg Used For?
- Osteoarthritis — daily management of joint pain and stiffness (جوڑوں کا درد اور اکڑن)
- Rheumatoid arthritis — ongoing control of joint inflammation and swelling (ریمیٹائیڈ گٹھیا)
- Ankylosing spondylitis — chronic spine and back inflammation management (ریڑھ کی ہڈی کی سوزش)
- Acute gouty arthritis — joint pain and swelling from uric acid crystals (گنٹھیا کا درد)
- Post-dental surgical pain — moderate pain following tooth extraction (دانت کے آپریشن کے بعد درد)
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain with significant inflammatory component (پٹھوں اور جوڑوں کا دائمی درد)
How Does it Work? Etoricoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme — the isoform predominantly responsible for prostaglandin production at sites of inflammation. By blocking COX-2 while largely sparing COX-1 that protects the stomach lining, Etoricoxib at 60mg provides sustained once-daily anti-inflammatory and analgesic coverage with less gastrointestinal irritation than non-selective NSAIDs. The lower 60mg dose produces meaningful COX-2 inhibition sufficient for chronic condition management while maintaining a more acceptable cardiovascular risk profile than higher strengths — making it the preferred long-term dose for arthritis management.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always use at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. Always take with food. Never combine with other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg. Regular blood pressure monitoring required throughout long-term treatment. Cardiovascular risk assessment mandatory before prescribing.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | 30 – 60mg | Once daily | 60mg for moderate to severe symptoms |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 60mg | Once daily | Regular specialist review required |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 60 – 90mg | Once daily | Start at 60mg — increase if needed |
| Acute gouty arthritis | 60 – 120mg | Once daily | Maximum 8 days — dose by severity |
| Post-dental surgical pain | 60 – 90mg | Once daily | Maximum 3 days |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Etoricoxib | 60mg |
Who Should NOT Take Berica 60mg?
- Allergy to Etoricoxib, Aspirin, or any 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 history of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe liver impairment or active liver disease
- Severe kidney impairment
- Heart failure — any degree
- Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Third trimester of pregnancy — strictly contraindicated
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma or NSAID-induced bronchospasm
- Children and adolescents under 16 years
Side Effects
Common: Headache, mild dizziness, ankle swelling (ٹخنوں کی سوجن), mild blood pressure rise, mild stomach discomfort, heartburn, nausea — generally well tolerated at 60mg; take with food to minimise effects.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Chest pain or sudden breathlessness with weakness or numbness on one side — heart attack or stroke (دل کا دورہ یا فالج — فوری ہسپتال جائیں), significant uncontrolled blood pressure rise, dark tarry stools or vomiting blood (پیٹ سے خون — فوری مدد لیں), yellowing of skin or eyes indicating liver toxicity (یرقان — فوری مدد لیں), significantly reduced urination indicating kidney problems, 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 increases anticoagulant effect — close INR monitoring essential |
| Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics) | Etoricoxib reduces 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 |
| SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline) | Increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk with COX-2 inhibitor combination |
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: Is Berica 60mg suitable for daily long-term arthritis management? Yes — 60mg is the recommended maintenance dose for chronic arthritis conditions. However regular cardiovascular assessment, blood pressure monitoring, and kidney function checks are essential as risks accumulate with prolonged daily COX-2 inhibitor use.
Q: How is Berica 60mg different from standard NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac? Etoricoxib selectively targets the inflammation-producing COX-2 enzyme while largely sparing the stomach-protecting COX-1 enzyme — resulting in equivalent or superior pain relief with significantly less gastrointestinal irritation compared to non-selective NSAIDs at equivalent doses.
Q: Can I take Berica 60mg if I am already on cardiac Aspirin 75mg? Etoricoxib does not interfere with low-dose Aspirin's cardioprotective antiplatelet effect — continue cardiac Aspirin as prescribed and inform your cardiologist you are taking Etoricoxib so combined cardiovascular risk can be properly assessed.
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.