Drug Name: ARTHROTEC
Pronounced: ARE-throw-teck
Chemical names: Diclofenac sodium, Misoprostol

ARTHROTEC Drug Use: Arthrotec is used 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. Arthrotec also contains misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin that serves to reduce the production of stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, and thus prevent ulcers.

ARTHROTEC Drug Usage Instructions: To minimize diarrhea and related side effects, take Arthrotec with meals, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.

ARTHROTEC Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature in a dry place

ARTHROTEC Missed Dose: Do not take two doses at once. If you are following a regular schedule, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

ARTHROTEC Side Effects: More common side effects are: abdominal pain, acid indigestion, diarrhea, gas, nausea.

Special Precautions with ARTHROTEC: Less common side effects or rare 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 (yellowing of the skin and eyes) 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, weight changes.