Brand: Arthrotec
Generic: Diclofenac sodium + Misoprostol
Arthrotec is an oral drug used to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications. This drug contains diclofenac sodium.
Arthrotec is available as film coated tablets with two formulations: As a film coated tablet containing diclofenac sodium 50 milligrams, misoprostol 200 microgram or as a film coated tablet containing diclofenac sodium 75 milligram, misoprostol 200 micrograms.
Instructions
You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.
Interactions
Arthrotec may interact with medications such as:
- High doses of aspirin and related drugs (salicylates)
- Cidofovir
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., ketorolac)
- Anti-platelet drugs (e.g., cilostazol, clopidogrel)
- Oral bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate)
- Blood thinners (e.g., enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin)
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
- Cyclosporine
- Desmopressin
- Digoxin
- High blood pressure drugs (including ACE inhibitors such as captopril, angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan, and beta-blockers such as metoprolol)
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Pemetrexed
- Probenecid
- SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)
- Water pills (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
Side Effects
There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.
Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
Warnings
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:
- Allergy to diclofenac/misoprostol or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
- Recent heart bypass surgery (CABG)
- Certain liver problem (hepatic porphyria)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of heart attack)
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Swelling (edema, fluid retention)
- A severe loss of body water (dehydration)
- Blood disorders (e.g., anemia)
- Bleeding or clotting problems
- Asthma
- Growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
- Pregnancy or lactation
