Arthrotec
Diclofenac/misoprostol
Combination drug
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.
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]