Arthrotec

(Diclofenac / Misoprostol)

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Treats arthritis pain and swelling.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) is an okay medication used to treat pain and swelling caused by arthritis. However, because of the risk of heart attack, it's recommended to limit the amount you take.

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    $171.99
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Quick facts about Arthrotec
  • Drug class: Pain
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diclofenac / misoprostol)

Upsides

  • Clinical studies show that Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) is better at relieving arthritis pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Can be used as needed to treat pain and swelling.
  • Available as a generic.
Tried Arthrotec? Write a review!

Downsides

  • Can't be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • You should avoid alcohol while on Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) since it can increase your risk of stomach issues.
  • If you're taking it on a regular basis, you'll need to get labs done to make sure your liver and kidneys aren't being affected.
How it works

Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) contains two medications. Diclofenac stops the body from making chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Misoprostol protects the stomach from irritation.

Quick facts about Arthrotec
  • Drug class: Pain
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diclofenac / misoprostol)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended release
Tried Arthrotec? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol)

  • Abdominal pain
    21%21%
  • Diarrhea
    19%19%
  • Dyspepsia
    14%14%
  • Nausea
    11%11%
  • GI disorders
    9%9%
  • Flatulence
    9%9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Arthrotec.

Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol)
Placebo

People taking Arthrotec felt side effect more

People taking Arthrotec felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › History of heart problems
    • › High blood pressure
    • › High cholesterol
    • › Diabetes
    • › Being overweight or obese
    • › Smoking

    Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) can increase your chance of having blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. Take the lowest dose for the shortest time possible to lower your risk. Never take Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) during the first two weeks after having heart surgery.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Pharmacist Q&A

Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats symptoms of osteoarthritis in people who are at risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers caused by NSAID pain relievers.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats symptoms of osteoarthritis in people who are at risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers caused by NSAID pain relievers.

Common concerns from people taking Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with real people or animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, the risks to your unborn baby outweigh the benefits.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Arthrotec
XUnsafe
Alcohol
  • Don't drink alcohol while on Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol).
  • You should avoid alcohol while on Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) since it can increase your risk of stomach issues.
Food
  • Take with food to avoid getting diarrhea.
Kidneys and liver
  • Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol), and similar medications in the NSAID family, can lower kidney function or cause permanent kidney damage. Taking the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time necessary can lower your risk of kidney problems. It's important to get lab tests to check your kidney function periodically if you use Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) for long periods of time.
Pain
  • Can cause swelling in the legs, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.
  • Can be used as needed to treat pain and swelling.
  • Worth it
    Reviewed Arthrotecon 9/19/2017Arthotect worked very well for treating pain in neck, shoulders. Had to go off it and I'm really suffering
    72
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Osteoarthritis