Mucosal exfoliation as a selective reaction to etoricoxib

Etoricoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) with a good safety profile. We describe the first case of two mucosal adverse events to etoricoxib in the same patient.

Our patient developed stomatitis with mucosal exfoliation after etoricoxib assumption. Some months later, after a new etoricoxib intake, she presented with vaginal burning, tongue angioedema and erosions, oral exfoliation and wheals on the hands. A provocation test with diclofenac was negative.

The peculiarities of our case are the rare clinical manifestation and the selective hypersensitivity to COX-2 inhibitor with tolerance to a non-selective NSAID.