Diclofenac-Oral

Diclofenac helps relieve pain and inflammation.

Diclofenac is used to treat the following conditions:

- joint disorders e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and acute gout
- inflammation of the spine
- sprain and strain
- pain such as renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones), dysmenorrhoea (pain caused by menstruation), migraine (headache) and pain after surgery
- fever

Take Diclofenac exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than as instructed by your doctor.

Take Diclofenac immediately after a meal.

If you are taking the delayed-release or extended-release type of tablets (usually labelled as "EC", "SR", "MR" or "XL"), swallow it whole. Do not chew or crush tablets with a special coating.

Take 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 double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take this medicine if you have a history of allergic reactions (swollen eyes or mouth, difficulty breathing, rashes) to similar painkillers such as aspirin, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meloxicam, naproxen or piroxicam.

This medicine should not be used to treat pain before and after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- asthma
- history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Diclofenac.

Diclofenac may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, stomach pain, stomach wind, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, rashes, and itching of the skin.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- pass out blood or black, tarry stools or vomit coffee-ground-like vomitus

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:

- blood-thinning medicines e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, dipyridamole, heparin
- medicines for inflammation e.g. dexamethasone, prednisolone
- diuretics or “water pills” e.g. furosemide
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- other medicines such as ciclosporin, methotrexate

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diclofenac.

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.