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Compare Arthrotec vs. Mobic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol) and meloxicam (Mobic) are both prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat arthritis pain, but they have some key differences. Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, which reduces inflammation and pain, and misoprostol, which protects the stomach from ulcers. Meloxicam works by blocking two proteins that can cause pain and swelling, and has less effects on the stomach compared to other NSAIDs. Arthrotec needs to be taken multiple times a day, while meloxicam is usually taken once daily. Both medications aren't safe for use in pregnant people. Additionally, meloxicam is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid, and injection, while Arthrotec is only available in tablet form. Both medications can cause serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.

  • Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)
    Meloxicam
  • Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)
    Meloxicam

  • Summary of Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Summary for NSAID / Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is a combination medication used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in non-pregnant adults. The diclofenac in Arthrotec is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and swelling, while the misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that lowers the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers from diclofenac. Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is taken by mouth, typically two to four times per day. Common side effects of this medication include stomach cramps (pain) and diarrhea. Avoid drinking alcohol with Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) because doing so can raise the risk of stomach bleeding.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid that you take by mouth. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam can raise the risk for stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Indications for
    •Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who are at high risk for stomach and intestinal ulcers
    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis (capsules, tablets, and oral suspension)
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (tablets and oral suspension)
    •Moderate-to-severe pain (Anjeso injection)

  • Pros and Cons of Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Pros and Const for NSAID / Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •Diclofenac works well to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling and misoprostol works well to lower the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding
    •Conveniently combines two medication in one pill
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Not safe to take at any time of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Causes less stomach upset than some other NSAIDs
    •Works well to treat pain caused by different types of arthritis
    Cons
    •Available only by prescription
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Different formulations (e.g., capsules, liquid) might not be able to be substituted for one another

  • Common Side Effects of Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (21%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (14%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Gas (9%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Meloxicam capsules, tablets, and oral solution:

    •Headache (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 8%)
    •Joint pain (up to 6%)
    •Urinary tract infections (up to 6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Upset stomach (up to 5%)
    •Swelling (up to 5%)

    Meloxicam (Anjeso) injection:

    •Constipation (8%)
    •Liver damage (3%)
    •Low red blood cells (2%)

  • Warnings of Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to mother and unborn baby
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Risk for bleeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Learn more about Arthrotec
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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