An overview of arthritis pain reliever arthritis pain reliever

Arthrotec is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Drugs classified as NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Drugs classified as NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Overview

Arthrotec is a combination drug of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac blocks the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes which produce prostaglandins and play a role in the inflammatory process. COX-1 is also involved in platelet function and protection of the stomach.

Diclofenac is the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of Arthrotec. Misoprostol (a synthetic prostaglandin) protects the stomach lining by reducing acid production and stimulates the secretion of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract.

Availablity

Arthrotec is not available over the counter. Arthrotec requires a prescription from your health care provider. No credits are yet available for Arthrotec. It is currently only available in a branded formulation. Arthrotec is distributed by Pfizer Inc.

Arthrotec is available as tablets. Arthrotec is available in two strong points:

• Arthrotec 50 (50 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol)
• Arthrotec 75 (75 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol)

Uses

Arthrotec is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of gastric or duodenal ulcers induced by NSAIDs.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for osteoarthritis and maximal gastrointestinal (GI) protection is Arthrotec 50 TID. If not well tolerated, Arthrotec 75 or Arthrotec 50 BID can be used, but with less gastrointestinal protection.

The recommended dose for patients with rheumatoid arthritis is Arthrotec 50 TID or QID. For patients who do not tolerate this dosage well, they may switch to Arthrotec 75 BID or Arthrotec 50 BID but will have less protection against ulcers.

special instructions

The total dose of misoprostol should not exceed 800 mcg / day. and no more than 200mcg at a time. Doses of diclofenac greater than 150 mg / day in patients with osteoarthritis are not recommended. Doses of diclofenac greater than 225 mg / day in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are not recommended.

Other instructions

Other important instructions for taking Arthrotec include:

• Take Arthrotec with food.
• Never crush or split Arthrotec. It must be taken whole.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Arthrotec.
• Misoprostol can cause abortions. Pregnant women should not take Arthrotec.
• After stopping Arthrotec, do not become pregnant for one month or one menstrual cycle after stopping the drug.
• Arthrotec is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding their babies.

Common side effects

Arthrotec has the side effects associated with its two components (diclofenac sodium and misoprostol).

• Stomach pain
• Dyspepsia
• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea (may go away in 7 days or less)
• Bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers

There is cardiovascular risk and gastrointestinal risk with Arthrotec, the same as with all NSAIDs.

Serious reactions

The following are serious enough to tell your healthcare provider immediately:

• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Renal failure
• Weight gain / swelling / edema
• Liver toxicity
• Anaphylactoid reaction (difficulty in breathing)