This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Arthrotec Consumer Information
ARTHROTEC
Generic Name: diclofenac and misoprostol (dye KLOE fen ak and mye so PROST ole)
Brand Names: Arthrotec
What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac and misoprostol?
- Do not take misoprostol if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. Misoprostol can induce a miscarriage or an abortion. Your doctor will ask you to have a pregnancy test before you start treatment with misoprostol, and therapy will begin only after your next regular menstrual cycle begins. Also, you will need to use appropriate contraception to prevent pregnancy during therapy.
- Do not share this medication with anyone else.
- Take diclofenac and misoprostol with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break diclofenac and misoprostol tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or blood in your vomit. These symptoms could indicate damage to your stomach.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, diclofenac and misoprostol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
What is diclofenac and misoprostol?
- Diclofenac is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing substances that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
- Misoprostol replaces protective substances in your stomach that are inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin.
- The combination, diclofenac and misoprostol, is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in people at high risk for developing stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Diclofenac and misoprostol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diclofenac and misoprostol?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to any other NSAID or to aspirin,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take diclofenac and misoprostol, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Diclofenac and misoprostol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Misoprostol can induce a miscarriage or a spontaneous abortion. Do not take diclofenac and misoprostol if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. Do not share this medication with any one else. Your doctor will ask you to have a pregnancy test before you start treatment with diclofenac and misoprostol, and therapy will begin only after your next regular menstrual cycle begins. Also, you will need to use appropriate contraception to prevent pregnancy during your therapy.
- Diclofenac passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. It is not known whether misoprostol passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diclofenac and misoprostol?
- Take diclofenac and misoprostol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- To lessen stomach upset and/or diarrhea, take diclofenac and misoprostol with food, milk, or an aluminum or calcium antacid.
- Do not crush, break, or chew diclofenac and misoprostol tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Store diclofenac and misoprostol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a diclofenac and misoprostol overdose are not known but might include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, tremor, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, irregular heartbeats, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking diclofenac and misoprostol?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Diclofenac and misoprostol may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, diclofenac and misoprostol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.