The following information is a summary about Voltaren. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
| On April 7, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they are asking manufacturers of all prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to revise the drug labeling (package insert) to include a ''boxed'' or serious warning about the potential for increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) and serious and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with their use. This information will also state that patients who have just had heart surgery should not take these medications. You should talk to your doctor if you are taking one of these drugs and have any questions or concerns about this new information. For more information visit the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/COX2/default.htm. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Diclofenac is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immediate-release (short-acting) diclofenac (Cataflam) is also used to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. Diclofenac is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
How should this medicine be used?
Diclofenac comes as a tablet (Cataflam), a delayed-release tablet (Voltaren), and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet (Voltaren-XR) to take by mouth. The regular and delayed-release tablets are usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take diclofenac, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diclofenac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Diclofenac is also used sometimes to treat pain caused by gout and painful shoulder, bone pain, cancer pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking diclofenac,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); and phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ulcers; asthma; high blood pressure; lupus; porphyria; liver, heart, or kidney disease; or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (fluid retention).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Diclofenac may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- upset stomach
- constipation
- gas or bloating
- headache
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- ringing in the ears
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unexplained weight gain
- excessive tiredness
- lack of energy
- itching
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
- rash
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- pale skin
- fever
- confusion
- blurred vision
- changes in color vision
Diclofenac may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- loss of consciousness
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to diclofenac.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Arthrotec®
- Voltaren®
- Voltaren®-XR
