General Information and Indications:
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.
Information For Users:
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, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any
questions. Take diclofenac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
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.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
o Inform 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.
o Inform 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).
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking diclofenac.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Diclofenac may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o heartburn
o upset stomach
o constipation
o gas or bloating
o headache
o dizziness
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o black and tarry stools (Melena)
o red blood in stools
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis)
o vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
o ringing in the ears
o swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o unexplained weight gain
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o lack of energy
o itching
o pain in the upper right part of the stomach
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o flu-like symptoms
o rash
o hives (Urticaria)
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o pale skin
o fever
o confusion
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o changes in color vision
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o vomiting
o drowsiness
o loss of consciousness
Brand Name(s):
o Arthrotec®
o Voltaren®
o Voltaren®-XR |
