Re: Patient Monograph on Arthrotec!

[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.

> >

> >

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

> >