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In this Article

• What is diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• What are the possible side effects of diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• How should I take diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Arthrotec)?
• What happens if I overdose (Arthrotec)?
• What should I avoid while taking diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• What other drugs will affect diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac (Cataflam) or misoprostol (Cytotec), or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take diclofenac and misoprostol.

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• liver or kidney disease,
• asthma;
• polyps in your nose;
• porphyria;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• if you smoke; or
• drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day.

FDA pregnancy category X. Misoprostol can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, or rupture of the uterus if the medication is taken during pregnancy. Diclofenac can cause birth defects if it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Do not use diclofenac and misoprostol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

You will need to have a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start taking diclofenac and misoprostol.

Diclofenac and misoprostol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Swallow the diclofenac and misoprostol tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the pill.

Take diclofenac and misoprostol with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

If you take diclofenac and misoprostol for a long period of time, your liver function may need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store diclofenac and misoprostol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.