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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). It's used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as capsules, tablets and a liquid. All forms are for adults, but some are also for children of certain age and weight. Meloxicam is taken by mouth once a day. The dosage depends on your arthritis type, the form of meloxicam you're using, and age and weight for children. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of stomach bleeds. Meloxicam is a generic medication; its brand name Mobic is no longer available.

  • 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
    •Osteoarthritis (OA) - capsules, tablets, and oral liquid
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - tablets and oral liquid
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - tablets and oral liquid

  • 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
    •Might cause less stomach upset and other stomach problems than some other NSAIDs
    •Also available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might not be the best option for older adults or people with kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Can't switch easily between capsules, tablets, and liquid (can't 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
    •Headache
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Joint pain
    •Flu-like symptoms

  • 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
    •Risk of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of general bleeding and anemia
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Worsening asthma in certain people
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Arthrotec vs. Mobic

    Learn more about Arthrotec
    Learn more about Meloxicam

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