Coricib 90 is etoricoxib 90 mg — an anti-inflammatory tablet taken once daily. The 90 mg strength specifically is the dose used for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the inflammatory joint conditions where an anti-inflammatory is part of treatment rather than just pain relief.

What is Coricib 90?

The South African Medicine Price Registry lists Coricib 90 mg as a Schedule 3 film-coated tablet containing etoricoxib 90 mg.

Etoricoxib is a COX-2 selective inhibitor — a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), but a selective one.

Ordinary anti-inflammatories block two enzymes. COX-2 produces the prostaglandins causing pain, swelling and stiffness at an inflamed joint — blocking that is the benefit. COX-1 produces prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and help platelets clot — blocking that causes the ulcers and bleeding. Etoricoxib blocks COX-2 and largely spares COX-1, so it causes considerably fewer stomach ulcers than ibuprofen or diclofenac.

Why 90 mg specifically. Etoricoxib comes in 60, 90 and 120 mg, and unusually the strengths map to particular conditions rather than simply to severity: 60 mg for osteoarthritis, 90 mg for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and 120 mg for acute gout as a short course only. A product supplied only as 90 mg is aimed squarely at the inflammatory arthritides.

It is taken once daily, which suits a long-term condition better than a painkiller needing three or four doses.

Two class cautions apply. Coxibs carry a small increased risk of heart attack and stroke, rising with dose and duration. And etoricoxib raises blood pressure more than most anti-inflammatories — its most distinctive drawback, and the reason blood pressure needs checking before and during treatment.

Etoricoxib is also sold as Thrytix, Ecoxar and Arcoxia. Same active ingredient, different manufacturers.

What is Coricib 90 commonly used for?

Rheumatoid arthritis — for pain, stiffness and swelling, alongside disease-modifying treatment.
Ankylosing spondylitis and related inflammatory spinal conditions, where anti-inflammatories are a mainstay.
Psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis, in some prescribing.
Osteoarthritis, where 60 mg has not been sufficient.
Acute pain, including after dental surgery.

Two points shape how it fits into treatment.

In inflammatory arthritis, it treats symptoms — not the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis damages joints progressively, and the medicines that change that outcome are the disease-modifying ones — methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and the biologics. An anti-inflammatory makes daily life tolerable while those do the work. If your joints are still swelling and stiff most mornings, that is a signal the disease treatment needs reviewing, not that you need a stronger painkiller.

In ankylosing spondylitis it does a little more than that. Regular anti-inflammatory use has been associated with slower progression of spinal changes in some studies, which is why it is used more continuously here than in other conditions — alongside the exercise and physiotherapy that genuinely determine long-term mobility.

It is chosen mainly where stomach risk matters — a previous ulcer, older age, or long-term daily use. For occasional pain in a healthy young person, plain ibuprofen is sensible and far cheaper.

How Coricib 90 fits into this medicine category

Group	Examples	Notes
COX-2 selective	Etoricoxib (Coricib 90), celecoxib	Gentler on the stomach; cardiovascular and blood pressure caution
Traditional NSAIDs	Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen	Effective; more stomach risk
Simple analgesics	Paracetamol	Pain and fever; no anti-inflammatory effect; safest
Corticosteroids	Prednisone	Powerful; used in flares
Disease-modifying	Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, biologics	Change the course of the disease
Topical NSAIDs	Diclofenac gel	Local effect, far lower risk

That fifth row is the important one for anyone taking this tablet for rheumatoid arthritis.

See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.

What to check before using Coricib 90

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a specific contraindication. Blood pressure should be checked before starting and within a couple of weeks, then periodically.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

Have high blood pressure, treated or not.
Have established heart disease, have had a heart attack or stroke, or have heart failure.
Have or have had a stomach ulcer or gut bleeding.
Have kidney disease or liver disease.
Have asthma triggered by anti-inflammatories, or nasal polyps.
Are over 65, or smoke, or have diabetes or high cholesterol.
Have inflammatory bowel disease.
Take warfarin or another blood thinner, low-dose aspirin, steroids, an SSRI antidepressant, an ACE inhibitor, ARB or diuretic, lithium, methotrexate, ciclosporin or rifampicin. Methotrexate matters particularly here, since many people with rheumatoid arthritis take both.
Are pregnant, particularly after 20 weeks, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy.

Practical points:

Take it once daily, with or without food.
Do not take another anti-inflammatory alongside it, and check cold and flu products.
Monitor your blood pressure, and have kidney function checked if you take it long term.
Ask about stomach protection if you have any ulcer risk.
Drink enough fluid, particularly in hot weather.

Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor

Common effects: raised blood pressure, ankle swelling, indigestion, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and tiredness.

Get emergency help for:

Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or signs of a stroke.
Vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds, or black tarry stools.
Severe abdominal pain.
A widespread rash, particularly with blistering, peeling, mouth sores or fever.
Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

Seek prompt advice for:

A rise in blood pressure readings.
Swollen ankles, breathlessness on exertion, or sudden weight gain.
Any rash.
Wheezing or worsening asthma.
Persistent indigestion or stomach pain.
Reduced urine output or unusual tiredness.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Contact your rheumatologist or doctor if:

Joints are still swollen and stiff most mornings — the disease treatment, not the painkiller, needs reviewing.
You are having frequent flares.
You develop new joint involvement, or a rash, eye pain or bowel symptoms — inflammatory arthritis affects more than joints.
Pain is not controlled, or you need it continuously for months without review.

Related medicine guides

Frequently asked questions

What is Coricib 90 used for? Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other inflammatory joint conditions, and osteoarthritis where a lower dose has not been enough. It contains etoricoxib 90 mg.

Why 90 mg specifically? Etoricoxib strengths map to conditions — 60 mg for osteoarthritis, 90 mg for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, 120 mg for acute gout as a short course.

How often do I take it? Once daily, with or without food.

How is it different from ibuprofen? It blocks only COX-2, sparing the enzyme that protects the stomach, so it causes fewer ulcers. It carries a small cardiovascular risk and raises blood pressure more than most anti-inflammatories.

Does it treat my rheumatoid arthritis? It treats the symptoms. Disease-modifying medicines such as methotrexate are what change the outcome and prevent joint damage.

Can I take it with methotrexate? Often yes, but tell your doctor — the combination is monitored, and many people with rheumatoid arthritis take both.

Does it raise blood pressure? Yes, more than most NSAIDs. Have it checked before starting and periodically afterwards.

Is it the same as Thrytix, Ecoxar or Arcoxia? Yes in content — all contain etoricoxib. Different manufacturers.

What Is Coricib 90 Used For?