What is diclofenac and misoprostol?
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Misoprostol reduces stomach acid and replaces protective substances in the stomach that are reduced by NSAIDs.
The combination of diclofenac and misoprostol is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in people at high risk for developing stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Diclofenac and misoprostol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac and misoprostol?
Misoprostol can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, or rupture of the uterus if the medication is taken during pregnancy. Diclofenac can cause birth defects if it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Do not use diclofenac and misoprostol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use diclofenac and misoprostol just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking diclofenac and misoprostol, especially in older adults.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by diclofenac.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diclofenac and misoprostol?
Do not use diclofenac and misoprostol just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.
This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking diclofenac and misoprostol, especially in older adults.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac (Cataflam) or misoprostol (Cytotec), or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
To make sure you can safely take diclofenac and misoprostol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
liver or kidney disease,
asthma;
polyps in your nose;
porphyria;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
if you smoke; or
drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day.
Diclofenac and misoprostol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using diclofenac and misoprostol.
FDA pregnancy category X. Misoprostol can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature labor, or rupture of the uterus if the medication is taken during pregnancy. Diclofenac can cause birth defects if it is taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Do not use diclofenac and misoprostol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
You will need to have a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start taking diclofenac and misoprostol.