Indications/Uses
Diclofenac is prescribed to treat pain and inflammation in arthritis (pain and inflammation in the joints) and disorders of the joints, tendon, muscles or spine; also to relieve gout (buildup of uric acid in the body, causing joint inflammation), shoulder pain, cancer pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), migraine attacks and pain after an operation.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Use diclofenac exactly as instructed by your doctor for it to be effective.
Diclofenac should be taken immediately after a meal.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, break or open.
If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it immediately as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next dose, just proceed with your next regular dose schedule.
Unless advised by your doctor, do not double or adjust dosage, or stop use even if you feel well.
Contraindications and Special Precautions
It is important that your doctor or pharmacist is informed
- if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding;
- if you have any of the following conditions: allergy, liver problem, kidney problem, high blood pressure, heart failure, other heart problem, blood clot, bleeding problem, circulation problem, history of heart attack or stroke, stomach ulcer; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (edema); asthma, frequent runny nose, swelling of the lining of the nose (nasal polyps);
- if you are using any other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.
Alcoholic beverages and smoking must be avoided while taking this medicine.
Diclofenac should not be used just before or after a heart bypass surgery.
It is important to keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress while under treatment with this medicine.
If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure, you must first inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine before going through it.
Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines. You may not experience any side effect; however, if you experience any of these side effects with diclofenac, you have to inform your doctor immediately, especially if they become severe or persistent: nausea, stomach upset or pain, heartburn, diarrhea, headache, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, skin rash, sudden vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever or flu-like symptoms, back pain, difficult or painful urination, slurred speech, chest pain and allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
If you experience dizziness, drowsiness or vision problems, you should not drive, operate machinery or perform any activity which will need you to be alert and to see clearly.
The side effects mentioned here are not complete and others may occur. If you observe other side effects or reactions, you have to call your doctor for advice.
You must not share your medicine with others even if you have the same disease symptoms.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of childrens reach. Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
Features
- Diclofenac