Diclofenac

What does it do?

Diclofenac is used to reduce pain and inflammation.

How should you take it?

Take Diclofenac tablets as directed with food and a glass of water. Swallow the coated and slow release tablets whole. 

What if you forget a dose?

Should an occasional dose be missed it need not be taken later.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with diclofenac including: anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®), and creams or gels (e.g. Voltaren Emulgel®) low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®) Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

Is there anyone who can't take it?

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, heart, liver, stomach or bowel problems, high blood pressure, asthma, or if you have ever had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Always let your doctor know if you have had problems with aspirin or anti-inflammatories.
• In most cases, paracetamol and/or codeine may be safely used while taking diclofenac.

What side effects might you notice?

Please tell your doctor if you develop:

• Swollen feet or legs, shortness of breath 
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Ringing in your ears
• Indigestion, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Skin rash

Tell your doctor immediately if you have: 

• Stomach pain, coughing or vomiting of blood, black bowel motions
• Swollen lips, tongue, throat or face, trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain
• Easy/unusual bruising or bleeding

Will I still be able to drive?

Diclofenac does not affect your ability to drive vehicles.

What strengths does Diclofenac come in?

It comes as a slow release 75mg and 100mg tablet, or as an immediate release 25mg and 50mg tablet.