Diclofenac (By Mouth)

Diclofenac (di-KLO-fen-ack)

Treats pain caused by arthritis and other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Brand Name(s):

Voltaren-XR, Voltaren, Cataflam
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, or other pain and arthritis medicines, such as Indocin®, Naprosyn® or Aleve®, Motrin®, or Clinoril®. The reaction may have included wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, rash, or swelling in the face.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Coated Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often to use it. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• You may take the medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at once.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use this medicine with aspirin (or products that contain aspirin) or with other anti-inflammatory medicines such as naproxen (Aleve®) or ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using Coumadin®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before using diclofenac if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, a blood disorder, asthma. or ulcers or other stomach problems. Diclofenac should not be used during the last 3 months of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Ulcers and stomach bleeding are sometimes caused by this type of medicine. These problems can happen without warning signs. You may need to see your doctor for regular check-ups while using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe rash, hives, itching
• Rapid swelling of face or around eyes
• Chest tightness or trouble breathing
• Unexplained fever or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Decreased amount of urine
• Severe stomach pain or bloody vomit
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Swelling of feet or legs or weight gain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Bloated feeling
• Ringing in ears
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity of skin to sunlight

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.