How does it work?

Diclofenac belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Arthritic conditions are one example of this. Diclofenac is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, gout, sprains, fractures, back pain and following minor surgery. All the medicines in the NSAID group reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system and are effective painkillers, but should be taken with or after food to avoid stomach related side effects.

What is it used for?

A form of arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Acute gout

Crystal deposition in the joints (pyrophosphate arthropathy) and other joint disorders

Inflammatory disease of the joints

Lower back pain

Musculoskeletal disorders such as tendon inflammation (tendinitis), sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures

Osteoarthritis

Pain and inflammation in dental, orthopaedic and other minor surgery

Pain relief in migraine

Warning!

This medicine may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

During long-term treatment, routine blood tests are recommended to monitor kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components, particularly in the elderly.

This medicine may mask the signs and symptoms of infection.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 14 years of age.

Close medical supervision is important in people with symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in the elderly.

Close medical supervision is important in people suffering from severe impairment of liver function

Use with caution in

A type of life long inherited blood disease caused by a defect in the liver (hepatic porphyria)

Asthma or history of asthma

Bleeding tendencies

Blood clotting disorders

Blood disorders

Crohn's disease

Current or previous heart failure

Current or previous high blood pressure

Decreased heart function

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

People who have recently had major surgery

People with symptoms of stomach or intestinal disorders

Not to be used in

Bleeding from the stomach or intestines or a history of this

Current or previous peptic ulcer

People in whom aspirin or other medicines in this class (NSAIDs), cause attacks of asthma, itchy rash (urticaria) or nasal inflammation (rhinitis)

Suspected peptic ulcer

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly the third trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Dizziness or loss of balance

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Ulceration of the stomach or intestine

Decreased kidney function

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Loss of appetite

Severe blistering skin reaction affecting the tissues of the eyes, mouth, throat and genitals.(Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

Bleeding from the stomach or intestine

Hypersensitivity reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema) or severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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