ARTROTEC (CYTOTEC) INDICATIONS
Artrotec is used for reducing the risk of stomach ulcers in certain patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Artrotec is a prostaglandin. It works by reducing the amount of acid released by the stomach and protecting the stomach lining, which helps to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
ARTROTEC (CYTOTEC) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Artrotec as directed by your doctor!
- Take Artrotec by mouth with food.
- The last dose of the day should be taken at bedtime. Taking Artrotec after meals and at bedtime may decrease the risk of diarrhea.
- Do not take an antacid that has magnesium in it within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Artrotec.
- If you miss a dose of Artrotec, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Artrotec.
ARTROTEC (CYTOTEC) STORAGE
Store Artrotec at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Artrotec out of the reach of children and away from pets.
ARTROTEC (CYTOTEC) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Misoprostol.
Do NOT use Artrotec if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Artrotec or to similar medicines (prostaglandins)
- you are pregnant.
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Artrotec. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (eg, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]), dehydration, or other problems that may be worsened if you become dehydrated.
Some medicines may interact with Artrotec. However, no specific interactions with Artrotec are known at this time.
Important safety information:
- Artrotec may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Artrotec with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Artrotec may cause diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain or cramps. If this occurs, it usually develops within the first few weeks after starting Artrotec. If these effects develop and last longer than 1 week, contact your health care provider.
- Artrotec should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- If you may become pregnant, you must use an effective form of birth control while you take Artrotec. If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Artrotec if you are pregnant. It has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 1 month or through 1 menstrual cycle after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Artrotec is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Artrotec.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; changes in hearing or deafness; chest pain; fever; headache, dizziness, blurred vision; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes (eg, anxiety, confusion, depression); persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea; severe fatigue, fainting; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing or shortness of breath.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.