| Diclofenac
What Is It
Used For?
Diclofenac is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation
(swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immediate-release (short-acting)
diclofenac (Cataflam) is also used to treat painful menstrual periods
and pain from other causes. Diclofenac is in a class of medications
called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works
by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain
and inflammation.
How Is It Used?
Diclofenac comes as a tablet (Cataflam), a delayed-release
tablet (Voltaren), and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet
(Voltaren-XR) to take by mouth. The regular and delayed-release
tablets are usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release
tablet is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember
to take diclofenac, take it around the same time every day. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take diclofenac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Diclofenac is also used sometimes to treat pain
caused by gout and painful shoulder, bone pain, cancer pain, and
pain after surgery or childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before taking diclofenac:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of
the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin
(Coumadin); aspirin; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin
(Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); insulin and oral medications
for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex);
and phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton). Your doctor may need to
change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully
for side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts
of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such
as ulcers; asthma; high blood pressure; lupus; porphyria; liver,
heart, or kidney disease; or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles,
or lower legs (fluid retention).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery,
tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Diclofenac may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Upset Stomach
- Constipation
- Gas or Bloating
- Headache
- Dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms
are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor
immediately:
- Black and Tarry Stools
- Red Blood in Stools
- Bloody Vomit
- Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- Ringing in the ears
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Unexplained Weight Gain
- Excessive Tiredness
- Lack of Energy
- Itching
- Pain in the Upper right part of the Stomach
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
- Pale Skin
- Fever
- Confusion
- Blurred Vision
- Changes in Color Vision
Diclofenac may cause other side effects. Call
your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
How Should It Be Stored?
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of Emergency/Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
Anything Else I Should
Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your
body's response to diclofenac.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have about refilling your prescription
NOTE: The above information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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