Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects. Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide or a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Do not take diclofenac and misoprostol combination with magnesium-containing antacids. Antacids may be taken with diclofenac and misoprostol combination, if needed, to help relieve stomach pain, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, do not take magnesium-containing antacids, since they may cause diarrhea or worsen the diarrhea that is sometimes caused by this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to another person.

Take this medicine with food to prevent diarrhea and stomach upset.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or dissolve it.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For osteoarthritis:
      • Adults—One tablet of Arthrotec® 50 3 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. Some patients who cannot tolerate the usual dose can be given Arthrotec® 75 2 times a day or Arthrotec® 50 2 times a day. Each Arthrotec® 50 contains 50 milligrams (mg) diclofenac sodium and 200 micrograms (mcg) misoprostol, while Arthrotec® 75 contains 75 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—One tablet of Arthrotec 50 3 or 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. Some patients who cannot tolerate the usual dose can be given Arthrotec® 75 2 times a day or Arthrotec® 50 2 times a day. Each Arthrotec® 50 contains 50 milligrams (mg) diclofenac sodium and 200 micrograms (mcg) misoprostol, while Arthrotec® 75 contains 75 mg diclofenac sodium and 200 mcg misoprostol.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.