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Lodine vs. Arthrotec

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

Key takeaways

Etodolac (formerly known as Lodine) and Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol) are medications used to treat pain and inflammation. Both are only available with a prescription, but they have several differences between them. Etodolac is available only in generic form and is used for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and short-term pain. Arthrotec, on the other hand, is a combination medication that not only treats arthritis pain but also helps protect the stomach from ulcers caused by medications like etodolac. This makes it particularly useful for people at high risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers. Arthrotec is only approved for use in non-pregnant adults, while etodolac isn't safe for use after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Etodolac is available in an extended-release form allowing for once daily dosing, unlike Arthrotec which must be taken mutliple times daily.

Etodolac

 

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Arthrotec

(diclofenac / misoprostol)

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Summary for Lodine

Prescription only

Etodolac, also known by its brand name Lodine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The immediate-release pills are taken throughout the day; they're approved for adults with sudden, short-term pain; rheumatoid arthritis; or osteoarthritis. There's also an extended-release tablet for people ages 6 years and older that's taken once per day for the same types of arthritis. Side effects can include stomach pain, dizziness, and rash. Etodolac is currently available by prescription as generic only; the brand name has been discontinued.

Indications for Lodine

Pros and Cons for Lodine

Pros

  • Works well to treat pain and inflammation
  • Extended-release tablets can be used for children as young as 6 years old
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Only available as pills that can't be split, open, or crushed
  • Not safe to take after 20 weeks 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 Lodine

The following side effects were reported in 1% to 10% of people who took etodolac:

Warnings for Lodine

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Not safe to take while pregnant
  • Risk for bleeding

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

Prices with our coupons for Lodine vs. Arthrotec

Price Card Drug Icon
Etodolac60 tablets / 400mg
$25.84$78.73
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Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol60 tablets / 75mg/200mcg
$54.72$205.08
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