Combaren (Diclofenac) is used to relieve the pain, inflammation (swelling), tenderness, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immediate-release (short-acting) diclofenac (Cataflam) is also used to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. Combaren is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. Combaren is also used sometimes to treat pain caused by gout and painful shoulder, cancer pain, bone pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking diclofenac,

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ankles, feet, or kidney disease; porphyria; lupus; high blood pressure; asthma; or swelling of the hands, heart, ulcers; liver, or lower legs (fluid retention).
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as Lithobid); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; diuretics ('water pills'); digoxin (Lanoxin); cyclosporine (Neural, Sandimmune); aspirin; and phenobarbital (Luminal, warfarin (Coumadin); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); lithium (Eskalith, Solfoton). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as Naprosyn), Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil, or any other medications.

Combaren may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• headache
• gas or bloating
• constipation
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• changes in color vision
• blurred vision
• confusion
• fever
• pale skin
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hives
• rash
• flu-like symptoms
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• itching
• lack of energy
• excessive tiredness
• unexplained weight gain
• swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• ringing in the ears
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• bloody vomit
• red blood in stools
• black and tarry stools

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:

• loss of consciousness
• drowsiness
• vomiting

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.