Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren is also indicated for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.The Cataflam brand of this medicine is also used to treat menstrual cramps.
Diclofenac powder (Cambia) is used to treat a migraine headache attack. Cambia will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
The doctor will tell you how many Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg tablets to take and when to take them. Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Take the tables with or after food.
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. DO NOT crush or chew the tablets.
The recommended dose is:
Adults 75 to 150 mg daily in two or three divided doses. The number of tablets which you take will depend on the strength the doctor has given you.
Elderly
The lowest effective dose should be used. Your doctor may advise you to take a dose that is lower than the usual adult dose if you are elderly. Your doctor may also want to check closely that the Diclofenac Sodium tablets are not affecting your stomach.
Children
These tablets are not suitable for children aged under 12.
The doctor may also prescribe another drug to protect the stomach to be taken at the same time, particularly if you have had stomach problems before, or if you are elderly, or taking certain other drugs as well.
Along with its needed effects, diclofenac may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diclofenac:
More Common
Abdominal or stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
belching
bloody or black, tarry stools
cloudy urine
constipation
decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
diarrhea
dizziness
feeling of indigestion
headache
increased bleeding time
itching skin or rash
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
pain in the chest below the breastbone
pale skin
severe stomach pain
swelling
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
weight loss
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking diclofenac:
Storage
Oral
Tablets
Tight containers at =30°C.1
Topical
Gel
25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).318 Do not freeze.
Transdermal System
25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C)
There are many prodducts that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as valsartan, losartan), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), cidofovir, lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide).
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, or ketorolac). These drugs are similar to diclofenac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you, or anyone else, accidentally take too much Diclofenac Sodium, tell your doctor or go to your nearest hospital casualty department immediately.
Take your medicine pack with you so that people can see what you have taken.
Symptoms of an overdose can include: headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, rarely diarrhoea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fainting, or occasionally convulsions (seizures, uncontrolled fits).