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Arthrotec |
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What is Arthrotec and why is it prescribed? Arthrotec is designed to relieve the symptoms of arthritis in people who are also prone to ulcers. It contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for control of the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, since NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers in susceptible people, Arthrotec also contains misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin that serves to reduce the production of stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, and thus prevent ulcers. Be certain to avoid taking Arthrotec during pregnancy. If you haven't passed menopause, your doctor should do a pregnancy test less than 2 weeks before your therapy begins. Once you've started taking the drug, it is vitally important that you also use reliable contraceptive measures. If you do become pregnant, stop taking Arthrotec and contact your doctor immediately. How should you take Arthrotec? Follow your doctors directions for taking Arthrotec. To minimize diarrhea and related side effects, take Arthrotec with meals, exactly as prescribed. Antacids containing magnesium can make Arthrotec-induced diarrhea worse. If you need an antacid, use one containing aluminum or calcium instead. Arthrotec tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or dissolved. If you miss a dose and you are following a regular schedule, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next one, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Arthrotec at room temperature in a dry place. Are there any Arthrotec side effects? Arthrotec side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Arthrotec side effects may include abdominal pain, acid indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and nausea. Less common or rare Arthrotec side effects may include abnormal vision or tearing, acne, anxiety, appetite changes, asthma, blood in the urine, breast pain, bruising, change in taste, concentration difficulties, confusion, constipation, coughing, dark tarry stools, decreased breathing, decreased or increased urination, dehydration, depression, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, eczema, excessive or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, eye infection, fainting, fatigue, fever, frequent urination, gout, hallucinations, hair loss, headache, hearing impairment, heartburn, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased heart rate, increased muscle tone, increased nighttime urination, increased sweating, infection, inflammation in the digestive tract, insomnia, irregular or increased menstrual bleeding, irritability, irregular heartbeat, itching, jaundice, joint pain, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, migraine, mouth sores, muscle pain, nervousness, night blindness, nosebleed, painful menstruation, paranoia, pelvic pain, pinkeye, rapid breathing, rash, rectal bleeding, rectal itching, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, skin sores, skin rash, skin swelling, stomach or intestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, taste loss, throat swelling, throbbing heartbeat, tremor, tingling/numbness, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and weight changes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Arthrotec? If Arthrotec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arthrotec with Aspirin, Blood pressure medications (such as Cardizem, Inderal, Procardia, and Vasotec), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Diuretics (Lasix, HydroDIURIL), Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), Insulin, Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate), Magnesium-containing antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Phenobarbital, Prednisolone (Delta-Cortef, Pediapred, Prelone), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Arthrotec? Although Arthrotec is designed to protect against stomach ulcers and bleeding, they remain a possibility. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of bleeding such as black tarry stools. Also call the doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, cramping, or nausea, or if milder symptoms persist for more than 7 days. Arthrotec should be used with caution if you have kidney problems or liver disease. Your doctor will do a blood test to monitor your liver within 4 to 8 weeks after starting Arthrotec therapy and periodically thereafter. If you develop signs of a liver problem, such as nausea, fatigue, tiredness, itching, yellowed eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your stomach, or flu-like symptoms, stop taking Arthrotec and notify your doctor at once. Use Arthrotec cautiously if you have systemic lupus or a similar connective tissue disease. Certain rare side effects are more likely to occur. Be cautious, too, if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Arthrotec can increase water retention. Also exercise caution if you have asthma. In some people, Arthrotec could trigger an attack. Do not take Arthrotec if you're dehydrated. You should also avoid Arthrotec if you have a condition known as porphyria. Arthrotec is not an ordinary pain reliever. It is a potent medication, and poses extreme danger during pregnancy. Never share it with anyone else. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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