Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Arthrotec 75.
Chemical Name: DICLOFENAC (dye-KLOE-fen-ak) and MISOPROSTOL (mye-soe-PROST-ole)
Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) and prostaglandin analog combination used to relieve joint pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis in patients at high risk of developing ulcers.
WARNING: ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg IS CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANT WOMEN because the misoprostol component can cause abortion. Misoprostol has been shown to cause the uterus to tear in pregnant women if it is used to induce labor or to cause an abortion after the first trimester of pregnancy. Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg should only be given to women of childbearing age when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy is required and the patient is at high risk of developing stomach ulcers or complications from stomach ulcers. Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg may be prescribed only if the patient has had a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before beginning therapy; is capable of using contraception (eg, birth control pills); has received oral and written warnings of the serious side effects associated with misoprostol, the risk of failed contraception, and the danger to women of childbearing age who take Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg by mistake; and will begin taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg only the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period. Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others. ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg CONTAINS A NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg for a long time. Do not use Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg right before or after bypass heart surgery. ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg MAY CAUSE AN INCREASED RISK of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), direct factor XA inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban), prasugrel, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, citalopram, paroxetine), oral diabetic medicines (eg, glipizide), azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, voriconazole), bisphosphonates (eg, risedronate), insulin, quinolone antibiotics (eg, levofloxacin), probenecid, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), other NSAIDS (eg, ibuprofen), digoxin, cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, tenofovir, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV, certain antibiotics or seizure medicines). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of kidney or liver problems, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers), swelling or fluid buildup, seizures, lupus, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, blood problems (eg, anemia, porphyria, low blood platelets), bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), blood vessel disease, irritable bowel disease, seizures, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated, if you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse, or if you smoke. USE OF ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are pregnant or have liver problems (eg, hepatic porphyria). USE OF ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have history of severe kidney disease or if you are going to have or have recently had coronary artery "heart bypass" (CABG) surgery. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg.
Follow the directions for using Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg provided by your doctor. Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. DO NOT TAKE magnesium-containing antacids while taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. If an antacid is needed, use one with calcium or aluminum. STORE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. KEEP ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT TAKE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib). Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood cell counts, blood electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. Using Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg, especially the risk of stomach or bowel effects (such as bleeding or ulcers), or kidney effects. FOR WOMEN: Women who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control while they are taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. Talk with your doctor if you are unsure of effective birth control methods. DO NOT USE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Arthrotec 75 75-200mg-mcg include diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain or upset; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry stools; bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines; chest pain; change in amount of urine produced; dark urine; dizziness, blurred vision; fast or irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; one-sided weakness; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea or stomach pain; severe nausea and vomiting; severe headache and stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; symptoms of infection (eg, chills, fever, sore throat); seizures; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; unusual bleeding or bruising; vaginal bleeding after menopause; vision, hearing, or speech problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weakness, fatigue, fainting; weight loss; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Arthrotec 75
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion; convulsions; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; lightheadedness; nausea; sleepiness; stomach pain; tremor; or unusually fast or slow heartbeat.
DO NOT SHARE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg for other health conditions. IF USING ARTHROTEC 75 75-200mg-mcg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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