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Arthrotec-Diclofenac/Misoprostol Drug Information

Arthrotec is the brand name of the drug combination of Diclofenac and Misoprostol and it is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc. This prescription drug is an NSAID or a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug and it is available in film coated tablets of 50/200 and 74/200 where the first number stands for diclofenac and the second for misoprostol. The tablets are a color between white and off-white.

Diclofenac in indicated in the relief of pain and it is prescribed for the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and other painful conditions. It is especially helpful when the joints are stiff and it helps the patient go about his daily work much more easily.

Uses for Arthrotec:

Action

The drug is thought to act on the synthesis of prostaglandin in order to inhibit pain. The diclofenac acts to relieve the body of pain while the misoprostol protects the stomach lining. So very often, doctors prefer to prescribe this drug when there is a risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Side Effects

The side effects range from minor to major so it would be prudent to keep an eye on any reactions and get medical help as soon as possible. You could have diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting, dizzy spells, gas and acidity. Among the more serious side effects are the risks of heart attacks, strokes, elevated blood pressure, anemia, liver and kidney complaints, bleeding stomach ulcers and skin and respiratory allergies. Anything that is out of the ordinary must be treated seriously and medical help should be sought immediately, especially if there are any signs of bleeding. Though this drug usually protects against bleeding, there are some cases where this could happen and it would be a good thing to watch out for it.

Caution

Doctors will usually prescribe the lowest dose for a short duration depending on the symptoms you have. On no account must this be taken lightly. Dosages and strengths must not be increased without consulting the doctor. It would be wise to make sure the doctor knows about all the medication and the supplements you are taking so that they can ensure that there is no drug interaction. Any signs of blood in the stools must be communicated to the doctor at once. If you don’t know what drugs you are allergic to, you might want to do a few tests so you know. There are people who are allergic to aspirin and this drug would then have to be avoided.

Contraindications

This drug is contraindicated in the case of women who are breastfeeding their babies or are pregnant. It is also not to be given to people who are allergic to these types of drugs or people who suffer from severe asthma or urticaria. It should not be used after a heart surgery.

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  • Runkwayne

    I was just diagnosed with RA and prescribed ARTHROTEC for the pain and swelling.  I have only been on it for 5 days and it has definitely helped the pain and swelling but I want to sleep all the time and feel really lousy all the time.  I can’t even explain how bad I feel.  Has anyone else had this same problem with this drug?

    • Taracat13

      I used arthrotec regularly for maybe 6 months, but stomach pain and intestinal cramps caused me to quit taking it. I used it sparingly, off and on through the winter when I had to be without stiffness and pain. I  have not taken much recently, but took one 75 each of the last two days. Both mornings I awoke with a very hot face……..like hot flashes, and I too feel Lousy. I feel “loopy” and my arms and legs feel heavy and weak?????????? I have no energy. I’m thinking though, that these symptoms may last just a while, like getting used to a new BP med. I don’t remember feeling like that the whole time I was taking it regularly.
      I use it for three ailments……..arthritis, spinal stenosis, and fibromyalgia pain. I’M EXPERIMENTING WITH IT AGAIN because I’m going to Portland, Maine for the 1st vacation I will have had in the last 5 years………need to see the ocean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I’ll have to decide weather to be stiff and sore in a lot of pain, or feeling lousy with irritable bowel symptoms. OH, WHAT TO DO……….WHAT TO DO?