Diclofenac helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with certain conditions affecting the joints, muscles or tendons (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle strain or sprain, tendonitis).
This medicine may also be used as a pain reliever after undergoing a surgery.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is to be inserted into the rectum. Do not swallow or use in another way. Empty your bowel before inserting the suppository.
To use Diclofenac suppository, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Remove the suppository from the wrapper.
- If you are right-handed, lie on your left side and pull your right knee up to your chest.
- Gently insert the suppository, pointed end first, into your rectum. Push it as far as it would go.
- Lower your right knee and remain lying on your left side for 10-15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt.
- If you feel that the suppository is slipping out, press your buttocks together. It must remain in the rectum to be absorbed.
- Wash and dry your hands.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
Do not use more than what is instructed by your doctor to make up for the missed dose.
Do not use Diclofenac if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Diclofenac or any similar pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart and/or blood vessel disease e.g. heart failure, heart attack, stroke
- active, history of stomach or bowel ulcer
- active, history of stomach or bowel bleeding
- inflammation of the rectum
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you are to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to restore and improve the blood flow in the heart).
Do not use Diclofenac if you are on the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- at risk for heart or blood vessel disease e.g. high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol level, diabetes, smokers
- asthma
- lupus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- inflammation of the intestine
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Diclofenac to a child or an elderly person. Childrenand elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Diclofenac may cause drowsiness, dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: ringing in the ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach discomfort or pain, stomach wind, indigestion, loss of appetite and suppository insertion site irritation.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swollen eyes or mouth, difficulty breathing, rashes
- severe stomach pain or tenderness, vomiting blood, black, tarry or bloody stool
- yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark-colored urine
- reddening, blistering or peeling of the skin
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for pain or inflammation e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. cholestyramine, colestipol
- medicines for depression e.g. lithium
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicines to treat cancer e.g. methotrexate
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
- voriconazole (medicine for fungal infections)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diclofenac.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from heat.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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