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.

PATIENTS: 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.