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Stiff joints or back problems make it difficult to move around and reduce the quality of life. Rheumatic diseases cause pain that necessarily requires treatment. What drug should I take to relieve pain and not harm the stomach at the same time?
What is Arthrotec?
Arthrotec is a “two-in-one” drug: it has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and at the same time has a protective effect, so it protects the stomach from the adverse effects of taking this drug. It has two active substances: diclofenac and misoprostol.
The drug can only be obtained with a prescription. It is in the form of tablets with a concentration of 50 mg of misoprostol. The package contains 60 tablets.
Arthrotec – properties
Diclofenac, one of the active substances, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. It inhibits the development of inflammation, while eliminating swelling, redness and fever. Misoprostol has a protective effect.
In what diseases should this drug be used? The indications are:
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- osteoarthritis,
- ankylosing spondylitis.
It is also recommended prophylactically in patients suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcers caused by non-steroidal drugs.
Arthrotec – contraindications
Not every person suffering from rheumatic diseases can take Arthrotec. The leaflet informs that it must not be used if the patient suffers from:
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- intracranial bleeding,
- active peptic ulcer disease,
- gastric perforation
- serious kidney disease
- serious liver disease,
- circulation problems.
It cannot be taken by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The physician should be informed which medications the patient is taking, as Arthrotec interacts with many medications.
How to dose Arthrotec?
The doctor decides about the dose of the drug. The leaflet suggests that it is often one tablet taken two or three times a day. The doctor will also decide on the strength of the drug (50 mg or 75 mg misoprostol tablet) by writing an appropriate prescription.
The recommended dose must not be changed arbitrarily. Increasing the number of tablets or the frequency of taking this drug will not affect the effectiveness or speed of the drug, but may cause undesirable effects dangerous to health.
Arthrotec – side effects
Arthrotec, when used as recommended, is a safe drug. In some people it can cause:
- headaches and dizziness,
- nausea,
- digestive problems: diarrhea, constipation, vomiting,
- sleep disturbances,
- skin rash, itchy skin.
If the side effects last a long time and are very annoying, you should report them to your doctor. You will likely have to stop taking this medication.
Arthrotec – opinie
The drug is one of the most commonly prescribed in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases. Diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory active substance) is more effective than salicylates and similar to indomethacin. Side effects are rare, although some patients may develop a skin rash or dizziness, for example.