About Arthrotec
Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and misoprostol, a drug that helps
the stomach protect itself from stomach acid and produce less
of it. It's used as a treatment for individuals who develop
stomach ulcers from taking NSAIDs on their own. Arthrotec Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, gas, heartburn.
Less Common Side Effects: Acne, altered
sense of taste, altered vision, difficulty swallowing, dry
mouth, irritability, loss of appetite, lowered sex drive or
ability, muscle pain, nervousness, sensation of tingling or
burning, shaking, trembling, vaginal bleeding.
Serious Side Effects: Contact your doctor
if any of the following occur. Seek emergency medical attention
if the symptom appears to be severe.
Less Common: Black or bloody stools, bleeding
sores on lips, bleeding from rectum, blood in urine, blue
or purple patches on skin, bruised or reddened skin, chest
pain, chills, confusion, convulsions, cough, decreased urination,
depression, difficult or painful urination, difficulty breathing,
disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, excessive thirst,
fainting, feeling of illness, fever, fluid retention, hallucinations,
heartburn, hoarseness, increased blood pressure or heart
rate, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, itching, jaundice,
lightheadedness, liver damage, lower back pain, muscle cramps,
nausea, pounding heartbeat, psychosis, rash, seizures, severe
headache, sharp cramps or burning stomach pain, side pain,
sore throat, stiff neck or back, swelling or tenderness
in stomach, swollen face or extremities, tightness in chest,
tiredness, ulcers or white spots in or around mouth, unusual
bleeding or bruising, vomiting what looks like coffee grounds,
weakness, weight gain, wheezing, yellow eyes or skin.
Rare: Face changes color, fast breathing,
irregular breathing, puffiness or swelling around the eyes.
Overdose: Confusion, convulsions, diarrhea,
difficulty breathing, drowsiness, fever, nausea, pounding
heartbeat, seizure, shaking, slow heartbeat, stomach pain,
trembling. Seek immediate medical attention
and contact emergency services if your doctor is not available
or if you can't make it to the hospital.
Cautions: Arthrotec may not be suitable for all individuals.
If you have any history of the following conditions, speak
to your doctor to ensure that your treatment is as safe and
effective as possible.
- Allergy: If you've ever had an allergy to any nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, to aspirin, prostaglandin analogs,
or to misoprostol, discuss this with your doctor. This drug
may not be a safe and effective treatment for you. Also,
be sure to inform your doctor about any food or dye allergies
you may have.
- Pregnancy: Diclofenac must be
avoided by pregnant women. Women of childbearing
age must have a recent negative pregnancy test, and must
use effective birth control while continuing treatment.
Diclofenac may cause heart, circulatory, or bone defects
in unborn children. Misoprostol may cause uterine bleeding
contractions, or miscarriage. This medication is not recommended
during breastfeeding.
Arthrotec Interactions
This medication may interact with other drugs. In order to ensure that your treatment is as safe and effective as possible, do not use any of the following drugs in combination with Arthrotec unless you've consulted with your doctor.
- Alcohol - Avoid using alcohol during treatment, as it
can greatly increase the risk of liver damage from this
medication.
- Aspirin - Increased risk of serious side effects, such
as gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - Increased risk of bleeding.
- Corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) - Increased
risk of bleeding.
- Digitalis glycosides - Increased blood levels and risk
of serious side effects.
- Lithium - Increased blood levels and risk of serious side
effects.
- Methotrexate - Increased blood levels and risk of serious
side effects.
- Pain medication - Do not mix any other type of pain medication,
either prescription or over the counter, with your treatment
without the approval of your doctor. The combination can
greatly increase the risk of liver damage or spontaneous
gastrointestinaly bleeding.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics - Medications such as Aldactone
(spirinolactone), Dyrenium (triamterene), and Midamor (amiloride)
can increase the risk of side effects by boosting blood
levels of potassium.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - Increased blood levels and
risk of serious side effects.
Arthrotec Dosages
These are general guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Follow
your doctor's individual instructions for use and dosage exactly.
Children must always have a dosage recommendation based on
their individual case.
- Osteoarthritis: Arthrotec 50, one tablet, three times daily.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthrotec 50, one tablet, three to four times daily.
- Patients with low tolerance: Arthrotec 50, one tablet, twice daily; or Arthrotec 75, one tablet, twice daily.
Arthrotec Directions
Store Arthrotec away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Arthrotec away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Arthrotec and Pregnancy
This medication must not be used under any circumstances by pregnant
women, or women intending to become pregnant. There is serious
risk for birth defects and miscarriage. Use while nursing
not advised.
Arthrotec and Children
This medication has not been studied in children, your doctor will have to consider each case individually.
Arthrotec and Seniors
Confusion, decreased urination, and swelling of the extremities more likely in older adults.
Arthrotec is a trademark of Searle
Generic Diclofenac sodium is manufactured by Geneva, Novartis,
and Roxane
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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