Why is this Diclofenac prescribed?
Diclofenac capsules (Zipsor, Zorvolex) and tablets (Cataflam) are used to relieve mild to moderate pain.
Diclofenac extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR), tablets (Cataflam), and delayed-release tablets (available
generically) are used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the
lining of the joints).
Diclofenac extended-release tablets and delayed-release tablets are also used to treat
ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Diclofenac tablets (Cataflam) are also used to treat painful menstrual periods. Diclofenac solution (Cambia) is used to treat migraine headaches in adults,
but cannot be used to prevent migraines or to treat other types of headaches.
Diclofenac is in a class of
medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever,
and inflammation.
SPECIAL WARNING!
NSAIDs such as diclofenac may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These
problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older in age, have poor health, or drink large amounts of alcohol while taking diclofenac.People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as diclofenac may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time
How should this medicine be used?
Diclofenac comes as a tablet, and liquid-filled capsule, a hard gelatin capsule, an extended-release (longacting) tablet, a delayed-release (releases medication in the intestine) tablet, and as packets of powder for
solution (to be mixed with water) and taken by mouth.
Diclofenac liquid-filled capsules are usually taken 4 times a day and diclofenac hard gelatin capsules are usually taken 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
Diclofenac extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day, and in rare cases are taken twice a day, if needed to control pain. Diclofenac tablets and diclofenac delayed-release tablets are usually taken 2, 3, or 4
times a day.
Diclofenac solution is taken without food as a one dose treatment to relieve the pain of migraine headaches.
If you were told to take diclofenac on a regular basis, take it at around the same time(s) 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.
Different diclofenac products release the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably. Only take the diclofenac product prescribed by your doctor and do not switch to a different diclofenac product unless your doctor says that you should.
Before taking diclofenac,
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac (also available as Solaraze and Pennsaid, in Arthrotec), aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), any
other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the diclofenac product you plan to take. Ask your pharmacist or check the medication guide for a list of the inactive ingredients. If you will be taking diclofenac capsules (Zipsor),
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to bovine (cow) proteins such as those found in milk, beef, or gelatin.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed
in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: acetaminophen (Tylenol, in other products), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril
(Mavik, in Tarka); angiotensin receptor blockers such as azilsartan (Edarbi, in Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT, in Twynsta); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, in Dutoprol), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), and propranolol (Hemangeol, Inderal,
Innopran); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics (‘water pills’); insulin and oral medication for diabetes; lithium (Lithobid); medications for seizures; methotrexate (Otrexup,
Rasuvo, Trexall), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), and voriconazole (Vfend). Many other medications may also interact with diclofenac, so be sure to.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking even if they do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); porphyria (an abnormal increase in the amount of certain natural
substances made by the liver); heart failure; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant; or are breast-feeding. Diclofenac may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is taken around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy. Do not take diclofenac around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking diclofenac.
If you are 75 years of age or older. Do not take this medication for a longer period of time or at a higher dose than recommended by your doctor.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU; an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation), you should know that the powder for solution contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Side-effects
Diclofenac may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
diarrhea
constipation
gas or bloating
headache
dizziness
ringing in the ears
Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
bloody, black, or tarry stools
vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
drowsiness
slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
loss of consciousness
What other information should I know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter)medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
