Do you also have unbearable joint pain, back pain, muscle pain, or other body pain? Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a pill called Diflunisal. This is a medicine that is often given for mild to moderate pain and swelling. But there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medicine. So, as your trusted doctor, I will explain it to you in a simple way today.
What is Diflunisal?
Simply put, diflunisal is a painkiller. But it also helps reduce inflammation in the body. We call these types of drugs 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . Your doctor may prescribe this for a condition like arthritis, or for pain after surgery. It works by reducing the production of chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Illness or condition | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| If you have recently (within 2 weeks) undergone heart bypass surgery (CABG) | These medications may increase the risk of heart attack. |
| Heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure | These conditions are likely to worsen. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The medication may be difficult to remove from the body and may increase side effects. |
| Problems such as stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding | This medicine increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Asthma disease | Some asthma patients may be allergic to NSAIDs. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Medical advice is essential as this can affect the baby. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | There is also a possibility of an allergy to Diflunisal. |
How should I use the medicine?
- This pill should be taken by mouth.
- Try to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at about the same time each day.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- You can take this with or without food, but if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it after a meal .
- Take the medicine as prescribed until your doctor tells you to stop.
Important: You may receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) when you are prescribed this medicine. Always read and understand it carefully.
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, so do not share it with others.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with diflunisal. So tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
| Avoid taking Diflunisal with these | |
|---|---|
| Never take this medicine with: | Drugs like Cidofovir, Indomethacin, Ketorolac, Methotrexate, Pemetrexed. |
| Problems can also occur with these things: |
|
Things to be aware of when taking Diflunisal
Stomach ulcers and bleeding
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . People who smoke, drink alcohol, are elderly, and have weak health are at higher risk. If you have severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or have black, tarry stools , see a doctor immediately.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine will not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it may increase your risk if you use it for a long time or if you already have heart disease. So talk to your doctor about this.
Serious skin reactions
Some people can develop a severe allergic reaction even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a red rash, blisters, or peeling skin along with fever and body aches, or if your face or lips swell, see a doctor immediately.
Special information for pregnant mothers
If you are pregnant, taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the baby in the womb. So talk to your doctor about it. Avoid taking this medicine completely after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Diflunisal can cause side effects.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee grounds, and red/dark brown urine. |
| Heart disease/heart failure | Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, sudden weight gain. |
| Kidney or liver damage | Decreased urine output, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness of one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite. |
Take-Home Message
- Never break, crush, or chew Diflunisal tablets. Swallow them whole. If you have an upset stomach, take them with food.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and all medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, liver, and stomach problems).
- Watch for signs of stomach bleeding, such as black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and severe stomach pain. If this occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take this medicine with other painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen without your doctor's advice.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
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