DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Arthrotec work? What will it do for me?

Diclofenac - misoprostol is used for the treatment of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It reduces pain and inflammation. Misoprostol helps to protect the stomach from irritation and stomach ulcers that can be caused by diclofenac.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Arthrotec?

The recommended adult dose is diclofenac - misoprostol is 50 mg (referring to the diclofenac portion of the medication) taken 2 or 3 times a day with food or milk, or 75 mg taken twice daily with food or milk.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Arthrotec come in?

Arthrotec 50
Each white to off-white, round and biconvex tablet, engraved "SEARLE" over "1411" on one side, 4×"A" around the circumference of the reverse side with "50" in the middle, contains an enteric-coated core of diclofenac sodium 50 mg, surrounded by an outer mantle containing misoprostol 200 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-30, sodium hydroxide, talc and triethyl citrate.

Arthrotec 75
Each white to off-white, round and biconvex tablet, engraved "SEARLE" over "1421" on one side, 4×"A" around the circumference of the reverse side with a "75" in the middle, contains an enteric-coated core of diclofenac sodium 75 mg, surrounded by an outer mantle containing misoprostol 200 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-30, sodium hydroxide, talc and triethyl citrate.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Arthrotec?

Diclofenac - misoprostol should not be taken by anyone who:

• currently has or recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• is currently taking other NSAIDs
• is or may be allergic to diclofenac, misoprostol, or any of the ingredients of the medication
• is or may be allergic to medications similar to misoprostol (prostaglandins and their analogues)
• is pregnant
• has had an allergic reaction to ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications
• has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• has significant liver impairment or liver disease