Type of medicine: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID); prostaglandin analogue
Generic and brand names: diclofenac and misoprostol, oral; Arthrotec
This medicine is a combination of 2 products:
This medicine is used to treat people who are at risk of developing stomach or intestinal ulcers due to the use of NSAIDs. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol or smoke regularly.
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it can seriously harm the baby. Do not start this medicine unless you have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks of taking this medicine. Then start taking the medicine on the second or third day of your next menstrual period. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control while you are taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking this medicine and call your healthcare provider immediately. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Do not give this medicine to other women. Your healthcare provider may require you to sign a form indicating that you understand these warnings.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or take it longer than prescribed.
It is best to take this medicine with food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets in water.
Take this medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take an antacid.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: stomach pain, vomiting blood, bloody stools, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing, decreased urination.
Warning: Occasionally, this medicine may cause bleeding, ulcers, or perforation of the stomach or intestines. These problems may occur without warning symptoms. You may be at higher risk if you smoke, are over the age of 65 or in poor health, drink alcohol, or take this medicine for a long time. If you have abdominal pain, a black tarry stool, or a bloody stool, stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine has been linked with increased risk for high blood pressure. Also, taking this medicine for a long time may make it more likely that you will have a heart attack or stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You may have swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands while taking this medicine. If this becomes bothersome, contact your healthcare provider.
This medicine should not be used right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Contact your healthcare provider if your pain does not improve in a few days, if it gets worse, or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves. Alcohol may increase dizziness or increase the risk of side effects to this medicine.
Although rare, this medicine may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects from this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat); blisters or peeling skin.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Bloody, black, or tarry stool; vomiting or coughing up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual vaginal bleeding; yellowing of your eyes or skin; unexplained fever or chills; headache; unexplained muscle aches and tiredness; swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles; severe nausea or diarrhea; decreased urination.
Other: Gas, mild nausea or diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, cramps or stomach pain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
