What is Arthrotec: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Arthrotec overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Arthrotec 75, Arthrotec, Diclofenac Sodium-miSOPROStol

Generic Names:

  • Diclofenac-Misoprostol

Uses:

  • Treats arthritis pain and swelling. This medicine contains an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Antiulcer, Protectant, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Coated Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Arthrotec come in

  • Tablet

  • Coated Tablet

What are common Arthrotec doses?

  • Tablet 50mg/0.2mg

  • Tablet 75mg/0.2mg

Common Arthrotec prescriptions

  • Arthrotec
    30 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Arthrotec
    60 tablets delayed release bottle

  • Arthrotec
    50mg/0.2mg tablet

  • Arthrotec
    75mg/0.2mg tablet

  • Arthrotec
    50-0.2mg tablet delayed release

How to take Arthrotec

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. It is best to take this medicine with food to prevent diarrhea and stomach upset.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. It is best to take this medicine with food to prevent diarrhea and stomach upset.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Arthrotec contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, misoprostol, or another NSAID medicine, if you are pregnant, or if you have active stomach or bowel bleeding or if you have had a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Arthrotec warnings

  • Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medicine can cause miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, or tearing of the uterus if taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, anemia, asthma, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, a recent heart attack, lupus, porphyria, bleeding problems, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or worsening of heart failureStomach or bowel problems (including bleeding, perforation, ulcers)Liver problemsHigh blood pressureKidney problemsSerious skin reactionsIncreased risk of bleeding

  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Severe neck pain and stiffness, fever

  • Severe stomach pain or diarrhea, red or black stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, including heavy vaginal bleeding

Arthrotec interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how diclofenac/misoprostol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, phenobarbital, rifampin, tacrolimus, voriconazoleBlood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blocker)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Insulin or oral diabetes medicineMedicine to treat depression (including SNRIs, SSRIs)Other NSAID medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diflunisal, salsalate)Steroid medicine

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for blood clots, heart attack, or strokeStomach or bowel bleedingLiver problemsSerious skin reactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Do not use this medicine together with an antacid that contains magnesium. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure which antacid you can use.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Arthrotec side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe neck pain and stiffness, fever

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness, fainting

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, including heavy vaginal bleeding

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, slurred speech, sudden or severe headache

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination

  • Severe stomach pain or diarrhea, red or black stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild nausea or stomach pain, diarrhea, or upset stomach that lasts longer than 7 days

  • Passing gas

  • Bloating or feeling of fullness, heartburn