Diclofenac
(Diclofenac, Diclofenac Enteric Coated)Diclofenac Overview
The enteric-coated tablet form of diclofenac is used to reduce pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness from arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. Diclofenac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever. Ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.
Diclofenac Warnings
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may rarely increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking Diclofenac but is more likely if you take it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not take Diclofenac right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Also, Diclofenac may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while taking Diclofenac. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking Diclofenac.
How to Use Diclofenac
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Diclofenac by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2-4 times a day. Take Diclofenac with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking Diclofenac. If stomach upset occurs while taking Diclofenac, you may take it with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may slow absorption and delay pain relief. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can increase stomach upset. There are different brands and forms of Diclofenac available. Because different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths, do not switch forms of diclofenac unless your doctor tells you to. The Dosage of Diclofenac is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take Diclofenac at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take Diclofenac more often or for longer than prescribed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist. For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of taking Diclofenac regularly until you get the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.
Diclofenac Precautions
Before taking diclofenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. Diclofenac may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Diclofenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), blood disorders (such as anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers). Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including diclofenac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have pink/bloody urine or any unusual change in the amount of urine. Diclofenac may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Diclofenac may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using Diclofenac. Before using Diclofenac, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Diclofenac may harm an unborn baby and cause problems with normal labor/delivery. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor decides that you need to use Diclofenac between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. You should not use Diclofenac after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Diclofenac passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Diclofenac Misdose
If you miss a dose of Diclofenac, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Diclofenac Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as benazepril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide). Diclofenac 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 ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen). 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 81-162 milligrams a day), you should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Diclofenac Side Effects
Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Diclofenac has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Diclofenac do not have serious side effects. Diclofenac may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, easy bleeding/bruising, difficult/painful swallowing, symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects,signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine), unexplained stiff neck. Diclofenac may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage,nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to Diclofenac is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Diclofenac Storage
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Diclofenac when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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