Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol)

Arthrotec Drug Description

Arthrotec is a medicinal drug containing a combination of misoprostol and diclofenac. Misoprostol reduces acid in the stomach and helps in the replacement of the protective substances in the stomach that are negatively affected by NSAIDs. Diclofenac is an NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drug) that helps in reducing the hormones that cause pain and inflammation. Arthrotec thus makes use of diclofenac and misoprostol in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in those people who have a propensity towards developing intestinal and stomach ulcers.

Conditions Treated by Arthrotec

Arthrotec by virtue of the presence of diclofenac and misoprostol is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis among those who have or are likely to develop ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Arthrotec can be used to treat certain other medical conditions as well.

Arthrotec Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

It is extremely important that you take Arthrotec exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label. You should take each dosage of Arthrotec with a filled glass or 8 ounces of water. The drug should be administered with food or milk in order to lower the chances of an upset stomach. Instead of breaking, chewing or crushing the extended-release capsule, swallow it whole. Arthrotec is specially designed in order to release the drug slowly into your body and breaking the pill open can cause an excessive amounts of the drug to be let out in one go, destroy the prolonged effect of the drug and increase the onset of side effects.

b.) Missing a Dose

If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If however you remember when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not however take any extra medication to make up for this missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you overdose on Arthrotec, seek medical attention right away.

Arthrotec Warnings

Arthrotec can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Arthrotec if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from the following medical conditions:

• Asthma
• Nose polyps
• History of ulcers in the stomach or bleeding in the stomach
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Family or personal history of heart attacks
• Family or personal history of strokes
• Blood clots
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Porphyria
• Bleeding or clotting disorder

Using an NSAID like the diclofenac present in Arthrotec can increase the risk of fatal heart related problems. This risk increases if you use the drug for a long period of time. Make sure not to administer Arthrotec in the period before or after undergoing a heart bypass surgery. NSAIDs can also have a negative impact on your stomach and intestines and cause perforation or bleeding. These irregularities can prove to be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can take place at any moment while you are using NSAIDs. Older patients may develop an increased risk to the mentioned gastrointestinal side effects.

You should also tell your doctor if you are a smoker or are prone to drinking more than 3 beverages a day. Misoprostol can also cause serious birth defects, premature labor, uterine rupture or miscarriage if taken while you are pregnant, while diclofenac can also cause birth defects if administered in the final three months of pregnancy. Hence, it is of paramount importance that you tell your doctor about any and all matters pertaining to your being pregnant if you are to use Arthrotec.

Side Effects with Arthrotec

As with most other drugs, Arthrotec has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Arthrotec such as:

• hives
• swelling of tongue
• swelling of lips
• inflammation of throat
• swelling of face
• appearance of rashes
• excessive itching
• difficulty in breathing

you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately. The more serious side effects of using Arthrotec include:

• Fainting or weakness
• Slurred speech
• Black and bloody stools
• Chest pain
• Problems in urinating
• Nausea
• Low or high fever
• Loss of appetite
• Dark colored urine
• Jaundice
• Stomach pain
• Rapid weight gain or swelling
• Coughing up blood
• Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Stiffness in the neck
• Bruising
• Severe tingling sensation
• Numbness
• Weakness in the muscle
• Pain
• Increased blood pressure
• Severe head ache
• Seizures
• Purpling of the skin
• Hypersensitivity to light

Less harmful side effects of using Arthrotec are:

• Mild stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating
• Ringing sensation in the ears
• Uncharacteristic vaginal bleeding
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Arthrotec.

Possible Drug Interactions with Arthrotec

Arthrotec can prove to be harmful if used in tandem with certain other drugs. Make sure to inform your doctor about the following drugs if you are to take Arthrotec:

• Serzone (cyclosporine)
• Lanoxin (Digoxin)
• Blood thinners for example:
  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Carbolith (lithium)
• Medicine for diabetes such as insulin:
  • Phenobarbital
  • Deltasone (prednisone)
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such as:
  • Orudis(ketoprofen)
  • Relafen(nabumetone)
  • Feldene(piroxicam)
  • Advil(ibuprofen)
  • Naprosyn (naproxen)
  • Indocin(indomethacin)
  • Methotrexate

The above however is not an exclusive list and there are other drugs including minerals, vitamins and herbal products, which should not be used simultaneously and concurrently with Arthrotec. Hence, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about any and all medications that you happen to be using at the time of taking Arthrotec.

If you have any questions about buying discount Arthrotec online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.