Voltaren

diclofenac

Voltaren is used for musculoskeletal complaints, especially arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), gout attacks, and pain management in case of kidney stones and gallstones. An additional indication is the treatment of acute migraines. Diclofenac is used commonly to treat mild to moderate post-operative or post-traumatic pain, particular when inflammation is also present, and is effective against menstrual pain.

This medication may also be used to treat other painful conditions (e.g., dental pain, muscle aches, pain after surgery or after having a baby). However, if you have sudden severe pain and desire quick relief, it may be better to use other pain medications that are faster acting than this medication.

What is Voltaren?

Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDs block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower production of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

Before taking Voltaren

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Voltaren, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Before taking Voltaren, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• liver or kidney disease,
• asthma;
• polyps in your nose;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
• if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Voltaren.

How should I take Voltaren?

Take this medication with food, milk, or antacids to prevent stomach upset. This medication is most effective in relieving menstrual pain if taken at the earliest sign of pain. 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.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To minimize side effect risks (e.g., stomach bleeding), use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking it as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use before the full benefits of this drug take effect. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Voltaren side effects

If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Voltaren. Side effects may include: abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia, blood clotting problems, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, nausea, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears, vomiting.

Precautions

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding, especially when combined with this medicine. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and kidney effects.

Drug interactions

Before taking Voltaren, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix). steroids (prednisone and others); aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; or an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

Preganacy

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Voltaren overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Voltaren. If you have any other questions about Voltaren, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.