ACECLOFENAC

Aceclofenac should not be given to people with porphyria (a group of disorders that can cause nerve or skin problems) or breastfeeding mothers, and is not recommended for children. Near-term pregnant women should avoid taking aceclofenac because it increases the risk of a heart abnormality (patent ductus arteriosus) in the baby.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side effects although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects associated with aceclofenac include indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and elevated liver enzymes.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you experience any of the following less common but more serious symptoms, stop taking aceclofenac and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

• If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.
• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or a severe itchy skin rash.
• If you pass blood or black stools, vomit blood, or have severe abdominal pains.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Precautions

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking aceclofenac, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding.
• If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
• If you have a connective tissue disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus, or SLE).
• If you have a rare blood disorder known as porphyria.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and indometacin) or to any other medicine.

Interactions

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an anti-inflammatory like aceclofenac. This is because you should not take these tablets with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought over the counter.

Overdose symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, diarrhea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), low blood pressure, breathing abnormalities, fainting, convulsions, kidney failure, and liver damage. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

Available brands:

• Azel (ACME)
• Diclotol (Kusum Healthcare)
• Mobenac (Alkem Lab)
• Clanza (Korea United Pharma)
• Dolowin (Micro Labs)
• Sofenac (Phil Inter Pharma)