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What are diclofenac tablets?

DICLOFENAC (Voltaren®) is an anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces the joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) and osteoarthritis. Generic diclofenac delayed-release tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants (’blood thinners’)• cigarette smoker• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks• dental disease• diabetes• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day• heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)• kidney disease• liver disease• porphyria• stomach or duodenal ulcers• history of stroke• systemic lupus erythematosus• ulcerative colitis• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives• pregnant or trying to get pregnant• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take diclofenac tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Do not crush or chew tablets. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. It is better to take diclofenac with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac?

• alcohol• alendronate• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines• cidofovir• cyclosporine• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)• entecavir• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba• lithium• medicines for high blood pressure• medicines that affect platelets• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other ‘blood thinners’• methotrexate• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)• pemetrexed• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac?

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• signs of bleeding from the stomach - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips • change in the amount of urine passed• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat• pain or difficulty passing urine• stomach pain or cramps• swelling of feet or ankles• yellowing and/or itching of eyes or skin, upper right abdominal/chest tenderness, fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):• constipation or diarrhea• dizziness• gas or heartburn• headache• nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take diclofenac with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diclofenac affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from diclofenac.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause you to bleed more easily. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
It is especially important not to use diclofenac during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Diclofenac may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

 

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What is/are Voltaren?

DICLOFENAC is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to reduce swelling and to treat pain. It is used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks a day
heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)
high blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
stomach bleeding or ulcers
an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with food and with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

cidofovir
ketorolac
methotrexate
pemetrexed

This medicine may also interact with the following:

alcohol
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
diuretics
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines that affect platelets
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit
blurred vision
chest pain
difficulty breathing or wheezing
nausea or vomiting
slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
unexplained weight gain or swelling
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
heartburn

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.