Arthrotec

The active ingredients in Arthrotec are diclofenac sodium and misoprostol.

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It inhibits cyclooxygenase, or COX, proteins in your body. This reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Misoprostol is an analog of prostaglandin E1. Natural substances called prostaglandins shield the stomach. However, NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, reduce the stomach's natural prostaglandin levels, leaving an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers (open sores). Misoprostol reduces the risk of ulcers from diclofenac by acting similarly to natural prostaglandins.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Arthrotec. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Arthrotec:

• To reduce stomach discomfort, use Arthrotec with food.
• Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet; instead, swallow it whole.
• Even if someone else has the same symptoms as you, do not give them this medication.
• You could require regular medical examinations at your doctor's office if you use Arthrotec for an extended period of time.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by Arthrotec.

The most common side effects of diclofenac include:

• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Upset stomach or indigestion.
• Constipation.
• Fatigue.
• Menstrual period cramps.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Drowsiness.
• Heartburn.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Arthrotec. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats, difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, and anxiety are all signs of a heart attack.

-Stroke symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble speaking, trouble walking, and weakness in one side of the body.

• Blood in your vomit, black coffee-ground-looking stool, and persistent stomach pain are all signs of bleeding, tears (perforation), or stomach ulcers.
• Trouble breathing, fatigue, body edema, and abrupt weight gain are signs of heart failure.
• Fever, chills, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored feces, and dark urine are all signs of liver impairment.
• High potassium and kidney problems can cause tingling in your muscles, nausea, and changes in the amount of urine you produce.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest pain are signs of a severe asthma attack.
• Serious allergic reactions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, coughing, body aches, facial swelling of the face, peeling skin, and excruciating blisters across the body.
• Severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which can lead to death if not treated.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Arthrotec. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Arthrotec, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Bleeding in your intestines or stomach.
• Previously experienced a severe allergic response or asthma attack after taking an NSAID or aspirin.
• Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or smoking.
• A blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.
• Bleeding or stomach ulcers.
• Asthma.
• Porphyria.
• Kidney or liver problems.
• Fluid retention.
• A confirmed pregnancy.

Boxed Warning

• Pregnant women who take mioprostolin run the risk of experiencing uterine rupture, premature birth, abortion, or birth defects. When misoprostol was administered to pregnant women in order to induce labour or an abortion, uterine rupture has been documented. With advancing gestational ages and prior uterine surgery, including caesarean delivery, the risk of uterine rupture increases. Women who are pregnant shouldn't take Arthrotec.

• History of allergic responses or skin reactions, such as hives or asthma, following aspirin or another NSAID use.
• Utilizing Arthrotec (misoprostol/diclofenac) following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
• Bleeding in the stomach.
• Pregnancy.

Usually, the disease's symptoms start to get better two weeks after starting the medication. Additionally, even if a patient has symptoms that are identical to yours, they should not share Arthrotec with anybody else. Patients who use Arthrotec for an extended period may require routine medical examinations.

When Arthrotec is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine.
• Lithium.
• Methotrexate.
• Digoxin.
• Heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill".
• Oral diabetes medicine.
• A blood thinner - warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
• Other forms of diclofenac - Cambia, Cataflam, Flector, Voltaren, Zipsor, Zorvolex.
• Other NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Steroid medicine - corticosteroids, prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.

There are two strengths of Arthrotec and its generics: Arthrotec 50 has 200 mcg of misoprostol and 50 mg of diclofenac. Arthrotec 75 has 200 mcg of misoprostol and 75 mg of diclofenac.

Osteoarthritis

Arthrotec 75 mg twice daily or Arthrotec 50 taken orally twice to three times daily is the usual dosage.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthrotec 75 mg twice daily or Arthrotec 50 taken orally twice to four times daily is the usual dosage.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Arthrotec.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Arthrotec.

Do not stop taking Arthrotec suddenly without first talking to your doctor or other healthcare provider. The optimal course of action will be decided by taking into account your medical history and specific demands. It's important to heed their advice because abruptly discontinuing Arthrotec could result in a recurrence of symptoms or other problems.

If you are a pregnant woman, avoid using Arthrotec. Misoprostol with diclofenac may result in uterine rupture, early labor, miscarriage, or birth defects. While taking Arthrotec, avoid getting pregnant by utilizing an effective method of birth control. If you become pregnant while undergoing treatment, notify your doctor immediately.

It is not known if the medication can pass through breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.