Diclofenac/misoprostol

Diclofenac/misoprostol, sold under the brand name Arthrotec, is a fixed-dose combination medication that contains:

• Diclofenac sodium: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic properties
• Misoprostol: Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal protective prostaglandin E₁ analog.

Diclofenac/misoprostol

Combination of
Diclofenac	NSAID
Misoprostol	Prostaglandin analog
Clinical data
Trade names	Arthrotec
MedlinePlus	a699002
License data	US DailyMed: Diclofenac sodium and misoprostol
Pregnancy category	Contraindicated
Routes of administration	By mouth
ATC code	M01AB55 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	CA: ℞-only[1] UK: POM (Prescription only)[2] US: ℞-only[3]
Identifiers
CAS Number	239810-53-8
KEGG	D11091
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In the United Kingdom it is marketed by Pharmacia and it is indicated for prophylaxis against NSAID-induced gastroduodenal ulceration in people requiring diclofenac for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.^[2]

The American College of Rheumatology and a Canadian consensus report both recommend GI-protective agents such as misoprostol be combined with long term NSAID therapy and a review concluded that diclofenac/misoprostol is a cost effective treatment in patients requiring long term NSAID therapy who are at increased risk of developing gastropathy.^[4]

Contraindications

Arthrotec must not be taken during pregnancy, as it may deform or otherwise harm the fetus, or lead to miscarriage. This may be accompanied by potentially dangerous bleeding, possibly requiring surgery and potentially leading to infertility or death.^[2]