Arthritis Treatment An Overview of the Arthritis Pain Reliever Arthrotec By Carol Eustice facebook Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Learn about our editorial process Carol Eustice Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO on April 03, 2020 linkedin Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Rochelle Collins, DO on April 03, 2020 Print Lisa J. Goodman / Moment Mobile / Getty Images More in Arthritis Treatment Biologics Methotrexate Pain Relief Causes & Risk Factors Living With Support & Coping Joint Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis Gout Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis Symptoms Osteoarthritis More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions Psoriatic Arthritis View All 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 COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes which produce prostaglandins and play a role in the inflammatory process. COX-1 also is involved in platelet function and stomach protection. Diclofenac is the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) portion of Arthrotec. Misoprostol (a synthetic prostaglandin) protects the lining of the stomach by reducing acid production and stimulates the secretion of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract. Availability Arthrotec is not available over-the-counter. Arthrotec requires a prescription from your doctor. No generic is yet available for Arthrotec. It is currently only available in brand name formulation. Arthrotec is distributed by Pfizer Inc. Arthrotec is available in tablet form. Arthrotec comes in two strengths: 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 the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk for NSAID-induced gastric or duodenal ulcers. Dosage The recommended dosage for osteoarthritis and maximum gastrointestinal (GI) protection is Arthrotec 50 TID. If not well-tolerated, Arthrotec 75 or Arthrotec 50 BID can be used, but with less GI protection. The recommended dose for rheumatoid arthritis patients is Arthrotec 50 TID or QID. For patients who do not tolerate that dosage well, they can 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 800mcg/day. and no more than 200mcg at any one time. Doses of diclofenac higher than 150 mg/day for osteoarthritis patients are not recommended. Doses of diclofenac higher than 225 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis patients are not recommended. Other Instructions Other important instructions about taking Arthrotec include: Take Arthrotec with food.Never crush or split Arthrotec. It must be taken whole.Avoid alcohol when taking Arthrotec.Misoprostol can cause abortions. Women who are pregnant should not take Arthrotec.After discontinuing Arthrotec, do not get pregnant for one month, or one menstrual cycle after discontinuing the drug.Arthrotec is not recommended for mothers who are nursing their babies. Common Side Effects Arthrotec has the side effects associated with both of its components (diclofenac sodium and misoprostol). Stomach PainDyspepsiaNauseaFlatulenceDiarrhea (Which may resolve in up to 7 days)Bleeding Gastrointestinal Ulcers There is a cardiovascular risk and gastrointestinal risk with Arthrotec, the same as is associated with all NSAIDs. Serious Reactions The following are serious enough to notify your doctor immediately: Signs of GI BleedingSkin Rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)Kidney FailureWeight Gain/Swelling/EdemaLiver ToxicityAnaphylactoid Reaction (Difficulty Breathing) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Arthrotec - Patient Information provided by Pfizer, Inc. Diclofenac and Misoprostol, The Pill Book, 10th Edition.