Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach that are reduced by NSAIDs.
Diclofenac and misoprostol is a combination medicine used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in people at high risk for developing stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Diclofenac and misoprostol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Misoprostol can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, or rupture of the uterus. You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start taking diclofenac and misoprostol. You may need to start taking this medicine only on the 2nd or 3rd day of a normal menstrual period. Use effective birth control while you are using diclofenac and misoprostol.
You should not use this medicine if you have active bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
Diclofenac may increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac or misoprostol, or if you have:
- active bleeding in your stomach or intestines; or
- a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine.
To make sure diclofenac and misoprostol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, or history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- 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 take heart or blood pressure medicine;
- if you smoke; or
- if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day.
You will need to have a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start taking diclofenac and misoprostol. You may need to start taking this medicine only on the 2nd or 3rd day of a normal menstrual period.
It is not known whether diclofenac and misoprostol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Diclofenac Misoprostol Side Effects
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- worsening of asthma symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
- heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
- signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
- signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- heartburn or stomach pain, bloating, gas;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea, constipation; or
- dizziness.
Diclofenac Misoprostol Interactions
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to diclofenac. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by diclofenac.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Diclofenac and misoprostol can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Ask your doctor before using diclofenac and misoprostol if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with diclofenac, especially:
- a blood thinner--warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- other forms of diclofenac--Cambia, Cataflam, Flector, Voltaren, Zipsor, Zorvolex;
- other NSAIDs--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
- steroid medicine--prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.
Diclofenac Misoprostol Dosage
Take diclofenac and misoprostol with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the pill.
Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
If you use diclofenac and misoprostol long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Diclofenac Misoprostol Pictures
Arthrotec 75 mg, white, round
