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Arthrotec vs. Vimovo

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

Key takeaways

Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol) and Vimovo (naproxen/esomeprazole) are both combination medications used to treat different types of arthritis. Arthrotec combines diclofenac with a misoprostol to reduce pain and inflammation while protecting the stomach lining. In contrast, Vimovo combines naproxen with esomeprazole to achieve similar effects. Arthrotec is typically taken three to four times a day, while Vimovo is taken twice a day. Vimovo can be expensive even in its generic form. Both medications carry serious risks, including heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, but Arthrotec is particularly dangerous for pregnant people. Vimovo, on the other hand, is not recommended for use after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Arthrotec

(diclofenac / misoprostol)

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Vimovo

(naproxen / esomeprazole)

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Summary for Arthrotec

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.

Indications for Arthrotec

Pros and Cons for Arthrotec

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

Common Side Effects for Arthrotec

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

Warnings for Arthrotec

  • 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

Summary for Vimovo

Prescription only

Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a combination medication for people age 12 years and older who have arthritis. It contains naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves arthritis symptoms like joint pain and swelling. This combination medication also contains the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole to protect against damage to the stomach from naproxen. Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects can include inflammation of the stomach lining and diarrhea.

Indications for Vimovo

Pros and Cons for Vimovo

Pros

  • Works well to relieve pain and swelling from arthritis
  • Helps protect against stomach irritation and ulcers from naproxen without needing to take another pill

Cons

  • Must take twice a day, each time at least 30 minutes before a meal
  • Has many serious risks from both naproxen and esomeprazole ingredients
  • Less flexible for dose adjustments since it's a fixed combination of two ingredients

Common Side Effects for Vimovo

  • Inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite (gastritis, 17%)
  • Diarrhea (6%)

Warnings for Vimovo

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Liver damage
  • High blood pressure, heart failure, and fluid buildup in the body
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe allergic reaction or skin reaction
  • Abnormal nutrient and electrolyte levels
  • Bone fracture
  • Lupus
  • Harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Arthrotec vs. Vimovo

Price Card Drug Icon
Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol60 tablets / 75mg/200mcg
$54.72$205.08
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Naproxen/Esomeprazole DR60 tablets / 500mg/20mg
$128.03$2,289.03
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