You too may sometimes experience unbearable headaches, toothaches, joint pain, or stomach cramps during menstruation, right? At times like these, many of us quickly reach for a painkiller. So, Diclofenac is a medicine that many people in our country use for such pains and is often recommended by doctors. But there are many things that we need to be careful about when using this medicine. Today, let's talk about the most important things you need to know about this Diclofenac pill.
What is Diclofenac?
Simply put, Diclofenac is a medicine that is used to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) . You may have heard of drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. It belongs to the same class of drugs. The main thing that this medicine does is to stop the body from producing chemicals that cause pain and swelling.
Things you should tell your doctor before starting this medication:
This is very important. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor before using Diclofenac.
| Disease or condition | Why do you need to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, heart attack, heart failure | This medicine may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Recent bypass surgery (Coronary artery bypass graft - CABG) | Taking this medicine after surgery is very risky. |
| High blood pressure | Diclofenac can further increase blood pressure. |
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | This medicine carries a high risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | Medicines can affect these organs. |
| Asthma disease | This medicine may be unsuitable for some asthma patients. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking medications that prevent blood clotting | The risk of bleeding is very high. |
| Frequent drinking or smoking | Increases the risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant, being a breastfeeding mother | Taking this during pregnancy, especially in the last three months, may harm the baby. |
| Allergies to Diclofenac or other medications or foods | Serious allergies may occur. |
How should you use this medicine?
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- Take it every day at the right time, as the doctor said.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach discomfort, take it with a meal. This will greatly reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Diclofenac can cause problems when taken with other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, traditional medicines, and even Ayurvedic medicines.
Warning: Never use the following medications with Diclofenac.
* Ketorolac (another strong painkiller)
* Cidofovir
* Methotrexate
| Other drugs that can cause problems with Diclofenac | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Aspirin and similar medications |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Medications for high blood pressure | Diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body) |
| Lithium | Cyclosporine |
| Steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | Pemetrexed (an anticancer drug) |
Things you should be careful about when using Diclofenac
Watch out for stomach ulcers and bleeding: Serious stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning while using this medicine. If you have severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools , these could be signs of stomach bleeding. If this happens , see a doctor immediately.
Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: Diclofenac is not a drug that prevents heart attacks or strokes. In fact, long-term use of this drug may increase this risk, especially if you already have heart disease.
- Do not take other painkillers: Do not take other painkillers (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen while taking this medicine. Doing so will greatly increase the risk of side effects like stomach ulcers.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medication and increase side effects. So avoid alcohol completely.
- Skin reactions: Sometimes, serious skin reactions can occur weeks after starting the medication. If you experience fever, body aches, and red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin, tell your doctor right away.
- Pregnancy: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, especially after 30 weeks. It may be harmful to the unborn baby.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: If you experience drowsiness or dizziness while taking this medicine, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medication, Diclofenac can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others require special attention.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Main features |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack | Severe pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing, sweating. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/numbness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | Stomach discomfort, inflammation |
| Appetite | Nausea (feeling sick) |
Take-Home Message
- Diclofenac is a medicine that should only be used under the advice of a doctor. Don't forget to tell your doctor about your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Always take this pill with a meal to avoid stomach upset.
- Completely avoid drinking alcohol and taking other painkillers such as Ibuprofen while taking this medicine.
- If you notice any serious signs such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or black stools, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
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