Diclofenac and Misoprostol



Arthrotec®







Diclofenac and Misoprostol

(dye KLOE fen ak & mye soe PROST ole)

U.S. Brand Names
Arthrotec®
Canadian Brand Names
Arthrotec®
Pharmacologic Category
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Oral; Prostaglandin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. An effective form of birth control should be used during treatment.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to diclofenac, misoprostol, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat arthritis patients who are at high risk for developing ulcers.
How does it work?
  • Diclofenac blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
  • Misoprostol protects the gastrointestinal tract from diclofenac.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset.
  • Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen), blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • If you are a male, use birth control to protect your partner. Use birth control that you can trust.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Swelling of feet or hands.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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