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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng this drug.
DICLOFENAC W/MISOPROSTOL - ORAL TABLET
(dye-KLO-fen-ack WITH my-so-PROSS-tull)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arthrotec
WARNING: This drug must not be used during pregnancy because birth defects and fetal and maternal death have occurred. This drug must not be used in girls of childbearing age unless three is no alternatives. When this drug has been used to start labor, or for abortion after the first 3 months of pregnancy, rupture of the uterus could occur. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before usnig this medication. If a woman must use this medication, four requirements must be met: 1) negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting use of this medication; 2) able to use effective measures to prevent pregnancy (contraception); 3) receive oral and written warnings on the dangers of misoprostol use in girls of childbearing age, and the risk of possible birth control failure; 4) must begin use of this drug only on the sceond or third day of the next normal menstrual period. This medication must not be shared with otehrs.
USES: Diclofneac relieves pain and swelling. Misoprosotl protects the stomach from diclofenac's irritating effects. This combination medication is used to treat arthritis in pesrons at high risk of developing stomach ulcers.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food or milk or immediatley after a meal as directed. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or disslove the drug. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. Take this medication eaxctly as prescribed. Do not raise the dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Maximum benefit comes from continued and routine use. Do not use this only when atrhritis flares up or for treating other pain, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, stomach pain, diarrhea or gas may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medicatoin. Other side effects reported include headache, dizziness. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop: dark urine, vomiting, cehst pain, ringing in the ears, unusual bruising or bleeding, increased menstrual bleeding, vision changes, lightheadedness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, mental confusion or depression. If you notice any of the following unlikely but really serious side effects, stop tkaing this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate meidcal attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble berathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially: liver disease, kidney disease, bolod disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, prior Cesarean births or uterus surgery, five or more previous pregnancies, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.G., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Use caution when performing tasks requiring aletrness.
Liimt alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This mdeicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, espeically when combined with this medicine, may raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacsit for more information.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when risnig from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Infrequently, this medicatoin may raise the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you: avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing, use a sunscreen, avoid sunlamps. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, ifnorm your doctor immediately. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: aspirin, NSAIDs (e.G., ibuprofen, naproxen), antacids, digoxin, "water pills" (diuretics), "blood thinners" (e.G., warfarin), oral diabetic drugs, high blood pressure medicine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, lithium. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medicines you may be using since many cough, cold, and pain products contain aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.G., ibuprofen). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local pioson control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, diarrhea, fever, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, uunsually fast or slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, severe headache, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this mediaction with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedlue. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat and lihgt. Do not store in the bathroom.
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