Arthrotec vs. Ibuprofen

• Are Arthrotec and Ibuprofen the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Arthrotec?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
• What Is Arthrotec?
• What Is Ibuprofen?
• What Drugs Interact with Arthrotec?
• What Drugs Interact with Ibuprofen?
• How Should Arthrotec Be Taken?
• How Should Ibuprofen Be Taken?

Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) and ibuprofen are used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthrotec is used in people at high risk for developing stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Ibuprofen is also used for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Arthrotec and ibuprofen both contain a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Arthrotec also contains a prostaglandin that protects the stomach from irritating effects of NSAIDs.

Brand names for ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter and as a generic.

Side effects of Arthrotec and ibuprofen that are similar include diarrhea, upset stomach or stomach pain, nausea, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Side effects of Arthrotec that are different from ibuprofen include drowsiness or unusual vaginal bleeding.

Side effects of ibuprofen that are different from Arthrotec include constipation, heartburn, vomiting, nervousness, or skin itching or rash.

Common side effects of Arthrotec include:

• nausea,
• bloating,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears, or
• unusual vaginal bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Arthrotec including:

• difficult or painful swallowing,
• swelling of the hands or feet,
• sudden or unexplained weight gain,
• vision changes,
• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression),
• fast or pounding heartbeat,
• persistent or severe headache,
• fainting,
• menstrual problems/irregular periods,
• unusual tiredness,
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat),
• changes in the amount of urine, or
• unexplained stiff neck.

Common side effects of Ibuprofen include:

• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• gas,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in the ears.

Other side effects of Ibuprofen may occur. Consult your physician if you experience any possible side effects of Ibuprofen.

Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) is a combination non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a prostaglandin that protects the stomach from irritating effects of NSAIDs used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in people at high risk for developing stomach or intestinal ulcers. Arthrotec is available in generic form. Common side effects of Arthrotec include diarrhea and upset stomach or stomach pain within a few weeks after you start taking this medication, and usually last for about 1 week.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A generic formulation is available.

Arthrotec may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), insulin or oral diabetes medicine, lithium, methotrexate, phenobarbital, steroids, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or ACE inhibitors. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Arthrotec must not be used during pregnancy. It can harm the fetus and mother. Use birth control while taking this medication. This medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ibuprofen may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

For the relief of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the recommended dose of Arthrotec is 50 mg diclofenac sodium/200 mcg misoprostol or 75 mg diclofenac sodium/200 mcg misoprostol.

The recommended dose of Motrin should be adjusted to suit individual patients needs but should not exceed 3200 mg in the total daily dose. Use of alcohol and smoking could increase side effects. Safe use of Motrin for use by children has not been established. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby.