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Prexige (Novartis): Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Prexige (Novartis) - General Information

Prexige (Novartis) is a COX-2 selective inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. On August 11, 2007, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA, the Australian equivalent of the FDA) cancelled the registration of lumiracoxib in Australia due to concerns that it may cause liver failure. New Zealand and Canada have also followed suit in recalling the drug.

 

Pharmacology of Prexige (Novartis)

Prexige (Novartis) has a different structure from the standard COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. celecoxib). It more closely resembles the structure of diclofenac (one chlorine substituted by fluorine, the phenylacetic acid has another methyl group in meta position), making it a member of the arylalkanoic acid family of NSAIDs. It binds to a different site on the COX-2 receptor than the standard COX-2 inhibitors. It displays extremely high COX-2 selectivity.

 

Additional information about Prexige (Novartis)

Prexige (Novartis) Indication

For the acute and chronic treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee in adults.

Mechanism Of Action
The mechanism of action of lumiracoxib is due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis via inhibition of cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2). Prexige (Novartis) does not inhibit COX-1 at therapeutic concentrations.
Drug Interactions
Anisindione Prexige (Novartis) could increase the anticoagulant effect
Food Interactions
Take with or without food. Food has no effect on the absorption of the product.
Generic Name
Lumiracoxib
Drug Category
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Lumiracoxib
Prexige (Novartis);
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed following oral administration, with an absolute oral bioavailablity of 74%.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Single oral doses in mice and rats resulted in mortality and/or moribundity at doses of 600 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Single intraperitoneal doses in mice and rats results in mortality/moribundity at 750 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum non-lethal single oral and intraperitoneal dose in mouse was 300 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively. In the rat it was 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively.
Protein Binding
Highly bound to plasma proteins (>= 98%).
Biotransformation
Hepatic oxidation and hydroxylation via CYP2C9. Three major metabolites have been identified in plasma: 4'-hydroxy-lumiracoxib, 5-carboxy-lumiracoxib, and 4'-hydroxy-5-carboxy-lumiracoxib.
Half Life
Terminal half-life is approximately 4 hours.
Dosage Forms of Prexige (Novartis)
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
2-[2-[(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)amino]-5-methylphenyl]acetic acid
Chemical Formula
C15H13ClFNO2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals