DICLOFENAC

This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).

Older adults may be at higher risk for stomach or intestinal bleeding caused by this drug.

Stop taking diclofenac and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: bloody or black/tarry stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, and dizziness, raise your blood pressure,swelling of the hands or feet (edema), sudden or unexplained weight gain, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, difficult/painful swallowing, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, unexplained stiff neck, liver disease- dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding or clotting problems, heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), stroke.

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because this drug can make you dizzy.

Smoking and drinking alcohol increases risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drugs.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as valsartan, losartan), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), cidofovir, lithium, methotrexate, “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide), anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, or ketorolac).

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, extreme drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, seizures. Call emergency help right away.

Missed Dose

Take it as soon as you remember.  Do not increase the dose to catch up. If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands

Available Brands:

Also marketed as