Sign inBefore taking diclofenac
Before taking diclofenac make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you have a history of allergic disorders.
- If you suffer from asthma.
- If you suffer from any blood clotting disorder.
- If you have a heart condition.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, any other NSAID (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indometacin) or any other medicine.
How to take diclofenac
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take diclofenac at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
- Diclofenac enteric coated (e/c) tablets: Swallow whole (not chewed or crushed) with a small glass of water. Avoid taking indigestion remedies at the same time. If you need an indigestion remedy, take it at least two hours before or two hours after the diclofenac.
- Diclofenac dispersible tablets: Dissolve or mix the tablets with water before swallowing. Take your dose with or straight after eating food.
- Diclofenac rapid tablets: Swallow the tablets whole with a small glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.
- Diclofenac modified release (m/r) tablets and capsules: Swallow whole (not chewed or crushed) preferably after eating food.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Can diclofenac cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common diclofenac side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea | Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids |
| Indigestion, stomach discomfort, wind | Eat little and often. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor |
| Dizziness, lightheadedness | Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks which require you to be alert |
| Loss of appetite, headache | If troublesome, speak with your doctor |
Important: If you experience any shortness of breath, skin rash or swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store diclofenac
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Voltarol®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised March 2007, accessed 18 March 2008.
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.