Diclofenac Overview
What is Diclofenac?
Diclofenac is the generic name for a prescription medicine to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Diclofenac immediate-release (short-acting) tablets are also used to treat painful menstrual periods and other types of pain.
Part of a class of medications called "non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications" (NSAIDs), diclofenac works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Diclofenac is manufactured and marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals under the names Cataflam and Voltaren-XR. Diclofenac is also manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals under the name Arthrotec.
Diclofenac Health Risk: Heart Attack or Stroke
People who take NSAIDs (other than aspirin) such as diclofenac may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning, and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time.
Get emergency medical help right away if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech. If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type of heart surgery), then you should not take diclofenac right before or right after the surgery.
Click here for important health and safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Diclofenac Health Risk: Ulcers
NSAIDs such as diclofenac may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, those older in age, people who are in poor health, or those who drink large amounts of alcohol while taking diclofenac.
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