Arthrotec Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Arthrotec has been approved as a treatment for arthritis pain. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (diclofenac sodium) that is coated with misoprostol (for protection against stomach ulcer). Diclofenac sodium belongs to a group of medicines called 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (NSAIDs). Misoprostol is similar to substances called 'prostaglandins' which your body produces naturally. Diclofenac reduces the joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, or swelling that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin shown to protect the stomach lining from irritating effects of NSAIDs. Diclofenac is in a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing substances that may cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Arthrotec Dosage

*For the treatment of Osteoarthritis, the usual starting dose is 50 milligrams 3 times daily.
*For the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the usual starting dose is 50 milligrams 3 or 4 times daily.

Uses of Arthrotec

*Treating joint swelling, pain, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients who are at a high risk of developing NSAID-induced ulcers or their complications.
*It may also be used to treats other medical conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Arthrotec

*Before taken Arthrotec medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.
*Severe allergic reactions, black, tarry stools; bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines; dark urine; fever; heart failure; increase in asthma attacks; increased liver injury; loss of appetite; severe diarrhea; sore throat; trouble breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; vaginal bleeding after menopause; vision or hearing problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; yellowing of the skin or eyes are commomn side effects of arthrotec.

Warnings and precautions before taking Arthrotec:

*If you have kidney problems or liver disease, then you should be used this drug with extra caution. This medicine may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
*If you develop signs of a liver problem, such as nausea, fatigue, tiredness, itching, yellowed eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your stomach, or flu-like symptoms, then you should stop taking Arthrotec.
*This medication is a combination of 2 drugs, diclofenac and misoprostol. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant. Misoprostol may cause loss of pregnancy, premature birth, or birth defects.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Arthrotec with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arthrotec with the following:

*Aspirin
*Blood pressure medications
*Digoxin
*Glipizide
*Insulin
*Lithium
*Methotrexate
*Phenobarbital
*Warfarin

Overdose

After taken Arthrotec if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately.

More common side effects may include:

*Abdominal pain, acid indigestion, diarrhea, gas, nausea

Alien writes for prescription drugs. He also writes for cymbalta side effects and stress symptoms .

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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