Diclofenac; Misoprostol tablets
What do diclofenac; misoprostol tablets do?
DICLOFENAC; MISOPROSTOL (Arthrotec(R)) is a combination of two drugs. Diclofenac is an antiinflammatory drug and reduces the joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) or osteoarthritis. Misoprostol is added to diclofenac to help prevent some of the adverse effects of diclofenac on the stomach. Generic Arthrotec(R) tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take diclofenac; misoprostol?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• cigarette smoker
• dental disease
• diabetes
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• heart or circulation problems including high blood pressure
• liver or kidney disease
• nasal polyps
• porphyria
• ulcers or other stomach or intestinal problems
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other pain medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take Arthrotec(R) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Do not crush or chew tablets. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. It is better to take Arthrotec(R) with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with diclofenac; misoprostol?
• agents that treat or prevent blood clots
• alcohol
• alendronate
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cyclosporine
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• methotrexate
• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac; misoprostol?
Elderly patients are more likely to get side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in urine
• black, tarry stools
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• dehydration
• difficulty breathing
• fast heartbeat
• flu-like symptoms
• ringing in the ears
• severe abdominal pain or diarrhea
• skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or itching
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of eyelids, throat, lips or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising, red spots on the skin
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• weight change
• yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• menstrual irregularity or cramps
• nausea
• stomach pain or cramps