What is ARTHROTEC?

ARTHROTEC is a pill that contains medicine to relieve the signs and symptoms of arthritis pain, as well as protect your stomach from harmful side effects in patients at high risk for developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications.

ARTHROTEC contains the #1-prescribed NSAID called diclofenac (dye-CLO-fen-ak), which is well known for reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis. It also contains misoprostol (miss-o-PROS-tul) to protect your stomach.

What makes ARTHROTEC different from other arthritis medications?

ARTHROTEC contains an NSAID, like many other arthritis medications. However, the NSAID in ARTHROTEC (called diclofenac) is the inner layer of a 3-layer pill. The outer layer of the ARTHROTEC pill is a medicine called misoprostol. When the ARTHROTEC enters your stomach, this layer dissolves and protects the lining of your stomach. The second layer dissolves slowly, delaying the release of the NSAID and allowing more time for your stomach to be protected. The third layer, the NSAID, provides your joints with pain relief.

What is the best way to take ARTHROTEC?

You should take ARTHROTEC exactly as your doctor told you to. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

Although ARTHROTEC has some side effects, there are things you can do to help minimize them:

• Take ARTHROTEC with meals
• Do not take antacids containing magnesium, such as Maalox^®*

*Maalox is a registered trademark of Novartis Consumer Health Canada Inc.

What are the possible side effects of ARTHROTEC?

As with other drugs, you may experience some side effects when taking ARTHROTEC. Usually they are mild to moderate, occur within the first few weeks, and go away after a week.

The most common side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Gas

If you experience these side effects for longer than a week, talk to your doctor. A change in your daily dose may solve the problem.

What types of arthritis does ARTHROTEC treat?

There are many different types of arthritis. ARTHROTEC treats the signs and symptoms of 2 of the most common types, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in patients at high risk for developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their complications.

What are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work to treat arthritis by blocking a substance called prostaglandin, which plays a role in causing pain, fever, and inflamed joints.

Does ARTHROTEC have a cardiovascular risk, like other NSAIDs?

All prescription NSAIDs, including ARTHROTEC, have the same cardiovascular warning. They may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death.

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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.

Serious skin reactions or stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, can occur without warning and may cause death.

Patients taking aspirin and the elderly are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are 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 health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

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