Sometimes, for severe pain in the body, for example, joint pain, back pain, or pain after surgery, a doctor may give you a painkiller injection. Among these, one of the most commonly used injections that many people have heard of is Diclofenac. So, although this is a powerful painkiller, there are some things that we need to be very careful about when using it. Let's talk about this in a little more detail and simply today.
What is Diclofenac?
Simply put, diclofenac is a painkiller. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . This means that they are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and pain in the body. The main function of this drug is to control the chemical process that causes your pain, reduce swelling, and provide you with relief. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic for short-term, severe pain conditions.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
This is very important. Before taking a diclofenac injection, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because using this medication with certain medical conditions can be dangerous.
Imagine that you already have gastritis. A drug like Diclofenac has a high chance of damaging the stomach lining. So if the doctor knows that, he might give you a different drug, or give it along with another drug to protect the stomach. So, tell him these things without hiding anything.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor.
| Condition or habit | Reason to be concerned |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, heart attack, heart failure , or recent bypass surgery (CABG) | Diclofenac may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| High Blood Pressure | This can further increase blood pressure. |
| Bleeding, gastritis, or ulcers in the stomach or intestines | This medicine increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. |
| Kidney or liver disease | There is a risk of damage to these organs. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | This medicine may be contraindicated for some asthma patients. |
| Use of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Apixaban) | The risk of bleeding is very high. |
| Being pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This may be harmful during pregnancy (especially the last 3 months) and for breastfeeding mothers. |
| Smoking or frequent drinking | These habits increase the risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding. |
| Other allergies (to Diclofenac, Aspirin or other medications, foods) | This is important to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
How do you use this injection?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Diclofenac injection is given into a vein in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained nursing staff.
- For children: Special care should be taken when giving this to young children. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions.
- For seniors: People over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so they are usually given a lower dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Special considerations when taking Diclofenac
For your safety, be aware of these points while taking this medicine.
- Do not take other painkillers: While taking this medicine, do not take other NSAID painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen without consulting your doctor. Doing so increases the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
- Stomach bleeding: This is the main risk. Stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning . If you experience stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black stools, tell your doctor right away.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: Remember, this medication does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, continued use may increase the risk. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, you should talk to your doctor before taking diclofenac.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Skin reactions: Sometimes, even weeks after starting this medicine, serious skin reactions can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a red rash, blistering of the skin, or swelling of the face or lips along with fever, body aches, or rash.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Your doctor will only give it if it is absolutely necessary, under close supervision. Do not take this medicine after 30 weeks.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy when taking this medication. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, diclofenac can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking. |
| Kidney or liver damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles and feet, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
| Nausea and stomach discomfort | Stomach upset and nausea may occur. |
Take-Home Message
- Diclofenac is a powerful painkiller given in a hospital for severe pain.
- Before taking this, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, stomach problems) and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid taking other painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen with diclofenac without medical advice.
- If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or severe skin reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Pregnant women and those hoping to become pregnant should be extremely careful when taking this medication and should always consult their doctor.
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