What is Voltaren used for?
DICLOFENAC is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to reduce swelling and also to ease pain. It can also be used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Voltaren?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following 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 diseases
- liver diseases
- 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 is Voltaren should be taken?
Take this medicine orally during a meal accompanied with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Senior patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and require a smaller dosage.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Voltaren?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Voltaren with the other medicine/food/etc?
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 is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are using. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Does Voltaren have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit
- blurred vision
- chest pains
- difficulty breathing or wheezing
- nausea or vomiting
- slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
- unexplained weight gain or swelling
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- yellowing of eyes or skin
The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- heartburn
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Voltaren?
Let your doctor or health care professional know if the symptoms do not improve. Always consult with your doctor prior to taking another painkiller. Self-treatment can be dangerous.
This medicine can not prevent heart attacks or strokes. In fact, it might even increase their chances. They might increase during the long treatment courses with this medicine, especially for people who have heart diseases. If you are taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, consult with your physician for further guidance.
Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. If you do, side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers will be more likely to occur. A number of non-prescription medicines should not be taken with this drug to prevent possible interference.
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 the damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without the warning symptoms and can cause death.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness 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 Voltaren?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
Store it at the room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect it from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.