Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

DICLOFENAC SODIUM - ORAL ENTERIC OR SUSTAINED ACTION TABLET

(dye-KLO-fen-ack SO-dee-um)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Voltaren

Uses

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, and athletic injuries. It is commonly used to treat the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.

How To Use

Take this medication with food, milk, or antacids to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. These tablets contain a special coating and should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew tablets.

Side Effects

Stomach upset is the most common side effect. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, loss of appetite may also occur. If these effects persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: ringing in the ears, vision changes, loss of hearing. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Use of this drug in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially of: blood thinners such as warfarin, other arthritis medication (NSAID such as ibuprofen), water pills, lithium. Do not take aspirin or other NSAID without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of all your medications because many combination medications contain aspirin or other NSAID. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

Notes

In arthritis, it may take up to two weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results, this medication must be taken regularly as directed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.