Re: Patient Monograph on Arthrotec!

[Guest guest]

Hi D.,

Thanks for the drug data on this. Unfortunately, my major gastric disaster

is believed to be due to Voltaren (diclofenac), so its not very likely that

Arthrotec will be my magic pill. However, the attention to Arthrotec just

reminded me that there is an old stand-by drug called sulfasalizine, which

has a secondary use in healing colonic ulcers! It is an anti inflammatory,

& I think I never discussed it with my doc.

I did a lot of research on nsaids about 2 years ago & forgot all the

goodies I turned up. Another neat thing is indocin suppositories, which

have been around for ages. The 50 mg. suppository is generally more

effective than an equivalent oral dose, because it bypasses most of the

digestive tract & liver. They are a little pricey due to the lack of

demand, but standard capsules can be used instead with some cocoa butter

lotion. Not a polite topic, but a lot better than destroying the GI system

or going without anti inflammatories altogether.

Ken

At 09:45 PM 6/25/98 -0400, you wrote:

>

>

>Greetings Listers: Here is info on Arthrotec

>

>Patient Education Monograph for Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol

>

>USES:

>Diclofenac relieves pain and swelling. Misoprostol protects the stomach from

>diclofenac's irritating effects. This combination medication is used to treat

>arthritis in people at high risk of developing stomach ulcers.

>

>HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:

>Take this medication by mouth with food or milk or immediately after a

meal as

>directed. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or dissolve the drug.

>Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or

take it

>more often than prescribed. Maximum benefit comes from continued and

>routine use. Do not use this only when arthritis 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 medication. Other side effects reported include

>headache, dizziness. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome,

>inform your doctor. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising

>from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Notify your doctor if you

>develop

>dark or bloody stools, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, ringing

in the

>ears, breathing trouble, unusual bruising or bleeding, swelling of the

feet or

>ankles, increased menstrual bleeding, vision changes, lightheadedness,

>yellowing of the eyes or skin, mental confusion or depression, itching or

skin

>rash while taking this medication. Infrequently, this medication may increase

>the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid

prolonged sun

>exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. In

the

>unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate

>medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,

>swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

>

>PRECAUTIONS:

>Tell your doctor your medical history especially of any liver or kidney

disease,

>

>blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye

>disease or allergies, especially drug allergies. Use caution when performing

>tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the

>drowsiness effect of this medication and make your stomach or intestines more

>likely to bleed. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.

This

>medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or

think

>you may be pregnant, inform 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 and 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).

>

>NOTES:

>Do not share this medication 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 schedule. Do not " double-up " the dose to catch up.

>

>STORAGE:

>Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Do not store in the

>bathroom.

>

>Hope this is helpful

>

>Peace and Blessings'

>

> D.

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Turbin wrote:

>

>

> Hi D.,

>

> Thanks for the drug data on this. Unfortunately, my major gastric

disaster

> is believed to be due to Voltaren (diclofenac), so its not very likely that

> Arthrotec will be my magic pill. However, the attention to Arthrotec just

> reminded me that there is an old stand-by drug called sulfasalizine, which

> has a secondary use in healing colonic ulcers! It is an anti inflammatory,

> & I think I never discussed it with my doc.

> I did a lot of research on nsaids about 2 years ago & forgot all the

> goodies I turned up. Another neat thing is indocin suppositories, which

> have been around for ages. The 50 mg. suppository is generally more

> effective than an equivalent oral dose, because it bypasses most of the

> digestive tract & liver. They are a little pricey due to the lack of

> demand, but standard capsules can be used instead with some cocoa butter

> lotion. Not a polite topic, but a lot better than destroying the GI system

> or going without anti inflammatories altogether.

> Ken

> At 09:45 PM 6/25/98 -0400, you wrote:

> >

> >

> >Greetings Listers: Here is info on Arthrotec

> >

> >Patient Education Monograph for Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol

> >

> >USES:

> >Diclofenac relieves pain and swelling. Misoprostol protects the stomach from

> >diclofenac's irritating effects. This combination medication is used to treat

> >arthritis in people at high risk of developing stomach ulcers.

> >

> >HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:

> >Take this medication by mouth with food or milk or immediately after a

> meal as

> >directed. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or dissolve the drug.

> >Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or

> take it

> >more often than prescribed. Maximum benefit comes from continued and

> >routine use. Do not use this only when arthritis 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 medication. Other side effects reported include

> >headache, dizziness. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome,

> >inform your doctor. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising

> >from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Notify your doctor if you

> >develop

> >dark or bloody stools, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, ringing

> in the

> >ears, breathing trouble, unusual bruising or bleeding, swelling of the

> feet or

> >ankles, increased menstrual bleeding, vision changes, lightheadedness,

> >yellowing of the eyes or skin, mental confusion or depression, itching or

> skin

> >rash while taking this medication. Infrequently, this medication may increase

> >the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid

> prolonged sun

> >exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. In

> the

> >unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate

> >medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,

> >swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

> >

> >PRECAUTIONS:

> >Tell your doctor your medical history especially of any liver or kidney

> disease,

> >

> >blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye

> >disease or allergies, especially drug allergies. Use caution when performing

> >tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the

> >drowsiness effect of this medication and make your stomach or intestines more

> >likely to bleed. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.

> This

> >medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or

> think

> >you may be pregnant, inform 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 and 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).

> >

> >NOTES:

> >Do not share this medication 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 schedule. Do not " double-up " the dose to catch up.

> >

> >STORAGE:

> >Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Do not store in the

> >bathroom.

> >

> >Hope this is helpful

> >

> >Peace and Blessings'

> >

> > D.

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >