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Information on Tablets A-Z
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Brand Names:
Arthrotec
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Do not take diclofenac and misoprostol if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac and misoprostol, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. Diclofenac and misoprostol causes miscarriages and serious bleeding if taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing age you should not take this medication unless you need nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) therapy and you are at high risk for stomach ulcers. If you and your doctor decide you need this medication, you must: have a negative pregnancy blood test within 2 weeks before starting to take diclofenac and misoprostol;use a reliable method of birth control; and begin the medication only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period.Wait at least 1 month or through one menstrual cycle after you stop taking diclofenac and misoprostol before you try to become pregnant.Before taking diclofenac and misoprostol, carefully read the manufacturer's information for the patient that comes with it.Do not give this medication to anyone else, especially a woman who is or could become pregnant.
Medication prescribed:
The combination of diclofenac and misoprostol is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have a high risk of developing stomach ulcers. Diclofenac is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. Misoprostol is in a class of medications called prostaglandins. It prevents ulcers caused by diclofenac by protecting the stomach lining and decreasing stomach acid production.
How should this medicine be used:
The combination of diclofenac and misoprostol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food two to four times a day. To help you remember to take diclofenac and misoprostol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diclofenac and misoprostol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Other uses for this medicine:
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions:
Before taking diclofenac and misoprostol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), misoprostol (Cytotec), aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), carboprost (Hemabate), dinoprostone (Cervidil, Prepidil, Prostin E2), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); antacids containing magnesium (Mylanta, Maalox, others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; methotrexate (Rheumatrex); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and prednisolone (Prelone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ulcers; inflammatory bowel disease; blood clotting (coagulation) problems; asthma; heart failure; high blood pressure; lupus; porphyria; liver or kidney disease; or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (fluid retention).
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac and misoprostol.
Special dietary instructions:
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If I forget a dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects:
Diclofenac and misoprostol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
heartburn
upset stomach
gas or bloating
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
unexplained weight gain
excessive tiredness
lack of energy
itching
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
yellowing of the skin or eyes
flu-like symptoms
rash
pale skin
fever
confusion
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
unusual vaginal bleeding
Diclofenac and misoprostol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose:
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
stomach pain
confusion
drowsiness
low muscle tone
shaking hands that you cannot control
seizures
shortness of breath
diarrhea
fever
rapid or pounding heartbeat
slow heartbeat
dizziness
fainting
Other information:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to diclofenac and misoprostol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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