 Diclofenac is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Diclofenac is used to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as abdominal cramps associated with menstruation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Diclofenac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Special precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- You may not be able to take Diclofenac, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Diclofenac is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Diclofenac should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take Diclofenac without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Diclofenac passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- have high blood pressure.
- have heart disease, or
- have fluid retention,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have kidney disease,
- have liver disease,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach,
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs
Side effects
- Contact your doctor if you experience blood in vomit or bloody, black, or tarry stools. These symptoms could indicate damage to the stomach or intestines, which could be dangerous.
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Diclofenac and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- abdominal cramping, indigestion, or heartburn.
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice); or
- decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
- seizures;
- rapid weight gain (fluid retention);
- ulcers (open sores) in the mouth;
- muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling;
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; closing of the throat; or hives);
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take diclofenac and talk to your doctor if you experience
- irregular menstrual periods.
- dry mouth; or
- fatigue or weakness;
- depression;
- nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
- dizziness or headache;
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
| 
