Background

The etoricoxib can be used as a therapeutical alternative to patients with hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of etoricoxib in daily life of patients with negative oral drug provocation tests (DPT).

Methods

Patients with hypersensitivity to NSAIDs that performed a DPT with etoricoxibe between january/2013 and june/2014 were contacted by phone and asked about posterior etoricoxib drug usage and the occurrence of reactions. Those who had not used again were asked the reasons for not using.

Results

Forty-one patients were tested, all with negative results. Thirty seven of them (90%) were contacted and 28 (76%) remembered the tested drug’s name. Twelve of them (32%) had used the drug again without any reaction. Twenty five patients were not re-exposed: 18 did not need, 4 were afraid of a new reaction and 3 used another alternative. Of the 4 patients who were afraid to use the drug again, 3 of them had presented anaphylaxis symptoms with other NSAIDs.

Conclusions

Most of the patients exposed to etoricoxib DPT haven’t been exposed again to the drug. Of those who were afraid to use the drug again, most had a severe reaction history to NSAIDs.