Arthrotec Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Arthrotec Tablet is a prescription combination medicine containing diclofenac and misoprostol, belonging to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is used to treat joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in people who are at high risk of stomach or intestinal ulcers from NSAID use. Diclofenac reduces pain and inflammation, while misoprostol helps protect the stomach lining. It should be used exactly as prescribed, with attention to important warnings about heart, stomach, and pregnancy risks.

What is Arthrotec Tablet

Arthrotec is a prescription combination tablet containing diclofenac sodium, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID), and misoprostol, a medicine that protects the stomach lining.

Arthrotec Tablet uses

• Treats joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Used in people with arthritis who are at high risk of developing stomach or intestinal ulcers from NSAID use

Benefits of Arthrotec Tablet

• Relieves arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Lowers the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers that NSAIDs can cause
• May improve daily functioning when arthritis pain is adequately controlled
• Provides an oral treatment option for selected adults requiring NSAID therapy
• Reduces the need for separate diclofenac and misoprostol tablets

How Arthrotec Tablet works

Diclofenac reduces substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach lining that NSAIDs reduce, helping to protect the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Arthrotec Tablet dosage

Take exactly as prescribed and follow all directions on your prescription label. Take with food to lessen stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it. Take with a full glass of water and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking it. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Try to take it at the same time each day; it may take up to two weeks of regular use before you feel the full benefit. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose - do not take two doses at once. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need regular medical tests at your doctor's office.

Available forms and strengths

• Delayed-release (slow-release) tablets

Side effects of Arthrotec Tablet

Common

• Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion
• Heartburn, gas, bloating
• Headaches and dizziness
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling of face or throat
• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
• Signs of a widespread drug reaction: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of skin or eyes
• Signs of heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, shortness of breath
• Signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Liver problems: loss of appetite, upper right stomach pain, tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Kidney problems: little or no urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Signs of low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can increase the risk of a serious, potentially fatal heart attack or stroke, even in people without risk factors. Do not use it right before or after heart bypass surgery.
• This medicine can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal, and this can happen without warning, especially in older adults.
• Do not take this medicine if you have active bleeding in your stomach or intestines, are allergic to its ingredients, are pregnant, or have a history of severe allergic reaction or asthma attack after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, since this medicine can make your skin sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
• Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice, since some can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine's ingredients.
• Do not use Arthrotec if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, or rupture of the uterus. You need a negative pregnancy test within two weeks before starting treatment and should use effective birth control while taking it.
• It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, as this medicine can impair kidney function.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, as this medicine can impair liver function.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so use care when driving or operating machinery; alcohol can make this worse.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
• Do not store in the bathroom
• Keep all medications away from children and pets
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed; consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or shortness of breath.
• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice any skin rash (no matter how mild), shortness of breath, sudden swelling or weight gain, signs of stomach bleeding, signs of liver or kidney problems, or signs of low red blood cells.
• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine.

Alternatives

• Diclofenac
• Meloxicam
• Celecoxib