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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs work to fight arthritis by blocking a substance
in your body called prostaglandin. This substance plays a role in causing pain,
fever, and inflamed joints. Blocking it helps people with arthritis feel better.
However, prostaglandin also helps protect your stomach from damage. When it is blocked,
the stomach is more prone to injury.
The most common side effects of NSAIDs include mild stomach ache, which usually
goes away after a few days.
However, some people have more serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding and
ulcers.
These common risk factors increase the chance of getting an ulcer or bleeding:
- Taking medicines called “corticosteroids” and “anticoagulants”
- Longer use of NSAIDs
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Older age
- Poor general health
- History of gastrointestinal disease or bleeding
All prescription NSAIDs, including ARTHROTEC (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol), have the same cardiovascular warning.
They may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death.
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ARTHROTEC is a medicine that relieves the pain of arthritis while protecting your stomach.
Important Safety Information
ARTHROTEC should not be taken by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. ARTHROTEC can cause miscarriage, often associated with bleeding, which may result in other serious complications.
Like all prescription NSAIDs, ARTHROTEC may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. It should not be used right before or after certain heart surgeries.
Also, like all prescription NSAIDs, ARTHROTEC can cause serious stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, which can occur without warning and may cause death. Elderly patients are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.
Prescription NSAIDs can cause serious skin reactions which may cause death.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or may become pregnant
- Have a history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- Have high blood pressure or heart failure
- Have kidney or liver problems
Prescription ARTHROTEC should be used exactly as prescribed at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed.
For more information about ARTHROTEC and other NSAIDs, please see the
Medication Guide. For further information on ARTHROTEC,
please see full Prescribing Information.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions
regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the
unique characteristics of the patient.
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of
the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling
in different countries.