What is ARTHROTEC?
ARTHROTEC (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) 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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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.