Proper Use of This Medicine

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 health care professional. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

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 you are 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 the diclofenac and misoprostol combination.

Do not chew, crush, or dissolve tablets.

Do not give this medication to another person.

Diclofenac and misoprostol combination should be taken with meals.

Dosing—The dose of diclofenac and misoprostol combination 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 diclofenac and misoprostol combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets 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 taking diclofenac and misoprostol combination .

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For osteoarthritis:
    • Adults—1 tablet of Arthrotec 50 three times a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis:
    • Adults—1 tablet of Arthrotec 50 three or four times a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (for patients who are unable to tolerate other doses):
    
    • Adults—1 tablet of Arthrotec 50 two times a day or 1 tablet of Arthrotec 75 two times a day.
    • 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—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.