Voltaren (Diclofenac)

Description

Voltaren is a drug that uses diclofenac as the main ingredient. It is an NSAID, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. It reduces the levels of hormones in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

 

It is used in the treatment of pain that is either mild or moderate, and to treat the symptoms (not the condition) of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

 

Important data

 

Do not use Voltaren if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin, NSAIDs or another drug.

 

This medication can cause fatal gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be acute and more prevalent in older people.

 

It can also increase the risk of being struck by a fatal stroke or heart attack. This is more common in people who use it for extended periods of time or in large doses.

 

If you have a heart disease, you are more at risk of these effects. However, you aren’t safe if you don’t have a history of heart disease.

 

Never use this medication right before going in for heart bypass surgery, or right after coming out. Do not use it if you have ever had an asthma attack after taking aspirin.

 

If you have any of the following conditions and disorders, make sure you tell your doctor before starting a course of Voltaren: heart diseases, high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, heart attacks, strokes, clots, ulcers, bleeding in the stomach, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease and fluid retention issues.

 

Do not take this medication in the last trimester of pregnancy. It is possible that it could harm the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you have plans to become pregnant.

 

The tendency of Voltaren to pass into the breast milk of a mother and from there to a newborn is unknown. To be safe, refrain from breastfeeding.

 

 

 

Dosage

 

Voltaren should be taken precisely as advised by a doctor. Do not deviate from the prescription in any way whatsoever.

 

Every now and then, the dosage of Voltaren that you are receiving can be changed by the doctor in order to get the maximum effectiveness.

 

Never take Voltaren in bigger doses than your doctor has told you to. Never take it for longer than you have been told to.

 

When taking Voltaren, take the minimum dose required to be effective in the treatment of your affliction.

 

If you are taking the extended release variant of Voltaren (Voltaren XR), do not crush, bite or break the tablet. Swallow it whole.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you know. If you are about to take your next dose ignore the one you missed. Do not take extra to make up for it.

 

If you overdose on Voltaren, make sure that you seek emergency medical services immediately, and call your local poison helpline.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Indigestion
 Gas
 Nausea
 Stomachache
 Constipation
 Diarrhea
 Headaches
 Lethargy
 Stuffy nose
 Itchiness
 Sweating
 Blood pressure
 Swelling

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergic reactions
 Heart attack
 Angina
 Stroke
 Skin rash
 Exhaustion
 Rapid weight gain
 Stomach bleeding
 Liver and kidney diseases
 High blood pressure
 Anemia

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Stop taking Voltaren immediately if you have an allergic reaction to it. Also stop if you have black and bloody stools. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while taking this medication.