Voltaren (Diclofenac Sodium)

Do's

• Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Voltaren and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Take Voltaren by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2-4 times a day. The dosage and frequency will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
• Take Voltaren with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your healthcare provider directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may slow absorption and delay pain relief.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as doing so can increase stomach upset.
• There are different forms of this medication available. Because different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths, do not switch forms unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
• To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
• For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition gets worse.

Common Side Effects:

• Indigestion, gas, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Headache, dizziness, and drowsiness
• Abnormal lab tests
• Itching, sweating, and stuffy nose
• Increased blood pressure
• Swelling or pain in your arms or legs

Serious Side Effects:

• Kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your arms or legs, feeling tired or short of breath
• Liver problems: nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any side effects, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Voltaren may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines, which can occur without warning symptoms at any time while using diclofenac. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.

Patients should be informed of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat) and instructed to seek immediate emergency help if these occur.

Patients should stop Voltaren immediately if they develop any type of rash and contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Pregnant women should avoid the use of Voltaren and other NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks gestation due to the risk of premature closing of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Additionally, NSAIDs, including Voltaren, may be associated with a reversible delay in ovulation.

Care should be taken when using Voltaren in the elderly, and it may be useful to monitor renal function due to the increased likelihood of decreased renal function in elderly patients.

The concomitant use of Voltaren with other NSAIDs or salicylates is not recommended due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Voltaren tablets. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and to discuss any concerns about the use of Voltaren.