Warnings


What may interact with Arthrotec?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-cidofovir
-ketorolac
-methotrexate
-pemetrexed
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-antacids
-aspirin and aspirin like medicines
-cyclosporine
-digoxin
-diuretics
-lithium
-medicines for diabetes
-medicines for high blood pressure
-medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other blood thinners
-phenobarbital

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Arthrotec?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-bleeding disorders
-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) within the past 2 weeks
-if you often drink alcohol
-heart attack
-heart disease
-heart failure
-high blood pressure
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low red blood cell counts
-lung or breathing disease (asthma)
-receiving steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
-smoke cigarettes
-stomach bleeding
-stomach or intestine problems
-take drugs that treat or prevent blood clots
-an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, misoprostol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Arthrotec?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not take other medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medicines contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.
This medicine can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your health care provider right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
This medicine does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. This medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase the longer you use this medicine or if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your health care provider about using this medicine.
Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about your fertility.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed.
Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.