Liver Problems

• In extremely rare cases, Arthrotec may cause severe liver disease. Signs of serious liver problems include yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, unusual or extreme fatigue, dark urine, persistent nausea and vomiting, and severe stomach or abdominal pain.
  
  

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• Some patients taking Arthrotec develop an upset stomach and diarrhea lasting for about a week within a few days of starting to take the medication. Mild nausea, heartburn or indigestion, gas and mild stomach pain are also known side effects of Arthrotec. None of these is cause for concern.
  
  

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Other side effects of Arthrotec that patients may experience include drowsiness and dizziness, headaches and swelling. Patients should use caution while driving or doing other tasks requiring focus and concentration until they know how the medicine will affect them.
  
  

Serious Side Effects

• Some side effects of Arthrotec may indicate that a problem has developed that requires medical treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: unexplained weight loss; black stools; ulcers or bleeding in the stomach and intestines; fever; increase in asthma attacks; vaginal bleeding in women who have already gone through menopause; hearing or vision problems; vomit similar in appearance to coffee grounds; and loss of appetite.
  
  

During Pregnancy

• One of the medications in Arthrotec, misoprostol, can cause miscarriage, birth defects and premature birth. Women taking Arthrotec must test negative for pregnancy and use birth control while taking the drug. Women should also avoid trying to get pregnant until they have been off the medication for at least one month or one menstrual cycle.
  
  

Drug Interactions

• Arthrotec is known to interact with several other prescription drugs, and in some cases it may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anticoagulants or heparin with Arthrotec can increase the risk of serious side effects of both medications. Arthrotec also increases the chances of experiencing the side effects of lithium in patients taking both medications. And taking quinolone antibiotics and Arthrotec together increases the risk of experiencing seizures and other serious side effects.