ARTHROTEC (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) treats the signs and symptoms of 2 of the most common types of arthritis,
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in patients at high risk for developing
NSAID-induced gastric duodenal ulcers and their complications.
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common type of
arthritis, affecting about 27 million people in the US, mostly women. OA develops
when the cartilage, or the cushioning at the end of the bones, breaks down. This
damage can result from injury or overuse. When this happens, the bones of the joint
rub together, causing stiffness and pain.
The most likely joints to be affected by OA are those that bear weight, including:
OA can also affect your fingers or any other joints that have been injured. People
with OA have the most pain when they are using their joints. The pain usually goes
away with rest.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, affects about 1.3 million
people in the United States. Its cause is unknown and it can affect people of any
age.
In RA, the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, causing pain, swelling, stiffness,
warmth, and redness.
RA can flare up and then get somewhat better, but it never goes away. Over time,
it can lead to long-term joint damage and loss of normal movement. Treating RA promptly
can limit the damage.
Next: How
Is Arthritis Treated?
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.