| What is Diclofenac?
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Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Diclofenac?
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Diclofenac side effects may include abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion,
and nausea.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common Diclofenac side effects may include abdominal bleeding, abdominal swelling, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, itching, peptic ulcers, rash,
and ringing in the ears. Rare Diclofenac side effects may include
anaphylaxis, anemia, anxiety, appetite change, asthma, black stools, blood disorders, bloody diarrhea, blurred vision, changes in taste, colitis, congestive heart failure, convulsions, decrease in white blood cells, decreased urine production, depression, double vision, drowsiness, dry mouth and mucous membranes, hair loss, hearing loss, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, inability to sleep, inflammation of the colon, inflammation of mouth, inflammation of the pancreas, irritability, kidney failure, liver disease, low blood pressure, nosebleed, red or purple skin discoloration and itching, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions and inflammation, scaling or peeling, sores in the gullet, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, swelling of eyelids, lips, and tongue, swelling of the throat due to fluid retention, vague feeling of illness, vision changes, vomiting,
and yellow eyes and skin. |
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| How is Diclofenac taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Diclofenac provided by your doctor. To minimize stomach upset and related side effects, your doctor may recommend taking this medicine with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may delay onset of relief. Take this drug with a full glass of water. Also, do not lie down for about 20 minutes after taking it. This will help to prevent irritation in your upper digestive tract.
If you miss a dose and you take this medicine on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take
two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Diclofenac with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Diclofenac. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Diclofenac with aspirin, blood thinners, cyclosporine, digitalis drugs,
diuretics, insulin or oral antidiabetes medications, lithium, methotrexate,
or phenobarbital. |
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| How should I store Diclofenac?
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Store Diclofenac at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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