Arthrotec Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe symptoms of joint pain and joint disease. There are more than one hundred types of arthritis and the condition is not yet fully understood. It manifests in symptoms like swelling, pain, and stiffness of joints. In some cases, patients develop limited range of motion and joint changes. These symptoms may be debilitating. Arthritis cannot be cured but can be managed with the help of different therapies and medication.

Generic Alternatives to Arthrotec

Arthrotec contains the active ingredients diclofenac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and misoprostol, which protects the stomach from diclofenac’s irritating effect.

You can buy Arthrotec or a number of generic alternatives through our international online pharmacy.

Arthrotec in the News

FDA approves generic Arthrotec

Pharmaceutical company Watson has received approval for its generic version of the drug Arthrotec.

Like the brand-name medicine, generic diclofenac sodium and misoprostol delayed-release tablets are used to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The medicine is appropriate for patients who are at risk of developing NSAID-induced ulcers and their complications.

Arthrotec registered US sales of approximately $130 million for the 12 months ending May 31, 2012.

Source: http://formularyjournal.modernmedicine.com/formulary-journal/news/clinical/hospitalhealth-system-pharmacy/fda-approves-generic-arthrotec

Arthrotec General Information

Overview

Arthrotec is prescribed to patients with arthritis. This combination medication helps to manage symptoms of the condition, such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Arthrotec is often prescribed to people at risk of getting stomach ulcers or bleeding as a result from ulcers.

How to Use Arthrotec

Arthrotec should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition response to treatment, as well as any other medications they may be taking. Before sourcing Arthrotec or its generic alternatives online, patients should inform their doctor about any other products that they may be taking. This includes prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.

To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other negative side effects, patients should take Arthrotec at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time.

Patients should take Arthrotec by mouth, with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush, chew, or dissolve them. Do not take broken tablets, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

This medication must be taken with food, which helps to prevent stomach upset and reduces the risk of side effects like diarrhea. Do not lie down for at least ten minutes after taking Arthrotec.

Taking magnesium-based antacids may worsen diarrhea. Patients who need an antacid should consult their doctor or pharmacist to choose the most appropriate product

It is important to take Arthrotec regularly in order to experience its full benefit. Patients should take the medication at the same time every day to prevent forgetting. It may take up to two weeks before patients see results.

Patients should not increase their dose or take this medication more often/longer than prescribed. Arthritis patients should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor and continue using it as directed.

Inform your doctor in the event your condition does not improve or worsens.

Precautions

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to any of the two active ingredients in this medication. Patients should also mention if they are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib. If you shop for Arthrotec online, please note that you may encounter the drug under its generic name: diclofenac and misoprostol.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially related to liver and stomach problems like bleeding, heartburn, or ulcers. Patients should also report high blood pressure, any previous heart attack or stroke, and blood disorders like anemia. The treating physician should be notified of problems with edema and fluid retention, as well as bleeding or clotting problems. The list also includes nasal polyps and aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Some patients who use NSAIDs like diclofenac may develop kidney problems. This is more likely to occur in older adults and those taking certain medications (please see the Drug Interactions section). Patients who are dehydrated, have heart failure, or pre-existing kidney disease face a higher risk of kidney problems. Patients should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any change in the amount of urine.

Arthrotec may cause dizziness. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until they are in condition to do so safely. Alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate dizziness, so patients should avoid alcoholic beverages and discuss their marijuana use with their doctor. Alcohol use may also increase the risk of serious liver problems.

This medication may cause stomach bleeding. The risk is higher in patients who use alcohol and tobacco daily while taking this medication. Limit alcohol consumption and ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you can safely drink. Stop smoking as it increases the risk of peptic ulcers.

Some patients may become more sensitive to the sun. Limit time in the sun, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Avoid tanning booths and lamps. Contact your doctor in the event of sunburn or skin blisters.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the negative side effects of this medication, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.

Arthrotec must not be used during pregnancy as it can harm the mother or fetus. Women should use reliable forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Arthrotec. Continue taking birth control for at least one month (or one completed menstrual cycle) after stopping treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect pregnancy during – or one month after – the treatment period.

This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Arthrotec Missed Dose

Patients who miss a dose of Arthrotec should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change the way Arthrotec and its generic alternatives work, increasing the risk of serious side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – like the blood pressure drug aliskiren and mood stabilizer lithium – may interact negatively with Arthrotec. This is also the case with ACE inhibitors (such as captopril and lisinopril) and corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone and prednisone).

Negative reactions are possible with hypertension drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. Valsartan and losartan are examples of these types of medications. Arthrotec interacts negatively with the anti-viral medication cidofovir and with methotrexate, which is prescribed to cancer patients and to manage arthritis. Diuretics – like furosemide – can cause negative interactions when taken with Arthrotec.

Patients should be aware of an increased risk of bleeding when Arthrotec is taken with anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel. Blood-thinning drugs like dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin have similar effect.

Patients should check the labels of all prescription and nonprescription medicines used to relieve pain or reduce fever. These medications may contain aspirin or NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, or ketorolac. These drugs are similar to diclofenac and may increase the risk of side effects if taken together with it.

However, patients who have been directed to take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke should continue to do so.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult with your physician before buying Arthrotec or any of its generic alternatives.

Arthrotec Side Effects

Most patients are able to use Arthrotec without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain, usually at beginning of treatment. They may last for about a week. Nausea, heartburn, gas, upset stomach, drowsiness, and dizziness are also possible. Patients should inform their doctor if these symptoms last longer than one week.

Severe or persistent diarrhea may cause serious dehydration. Patients should contact their doctor promptly in the event of symptoms of dehydration: unusual dry mouth, thirst, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Arthrotec may increase blood pressure. Patients should monitor blood pressure regularly and inform their doctor in the event the readings are high.

Serious side effects include difficult or painful swallowing, ringing in the ears, and mood changes like depression. Additional problems include easy bruising and/or bleeding. Women may experience unusual vaginal bleeding and irregular periods.

All patients should monitor for symptoms of heart failure: swelling of the ankles and/or feet, unusual tiredness, and sudden weight gain.

Patients should seek immediate medical help if they experience any signs of kidney problems, like changes in the amount of urine. It is also important to monitor for unexplained stiff neck and seizures.

In rare cases, Arthrotec may cause serious and possibly fatal liver disease. Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event of symptoms like nausea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and/or skin, and dark urine.

Serious allergic reactions to Arthrotec are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Storage

Arthrotec should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly. It should never be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.