Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a potent pain reliever that reduces pain, inflammation and fever. It is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks pain signals from getting to the brain and reduces inflammation. Diclofenac is a prescription-only medicine because of the severity of possible side-effects. You can buy a small dose without a prescription in Nigeria from a pharmacist who will evaluate the safety before providing it. If you need higher doses, speak to your healthcare provider.

Diclofenac is used to relieve pain, and reduce inflammation and fever. Diclofenac is available as tablets, capsules, eye drops, syrups, suppositories, creams and injections.

There are two types of oral diclofenac: diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac sodium is slowly absorbed into your body after use and is preferred when the desired action is to reduce inflammation. Diclofenac potassium, on the other hand, is absorbed quickly and provides immediate pain relief.

Generally, diclofenac should not be used for long because of risks of heart disease and stomach ulcers. It is important that you take this medicine with or immediately after food, to prevent stomach disturbances. This medicine is safe and effective for mild to moderate pain as long as you use the dose recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Diclofenac is available as tablets, capsules, powders, injections, rectal inserts (suppository), eye drops, creams and gels.
  • Tablets and capsules are taken by mouth (50 mg immediate-release tablets and 75 and 100 mg delayed-release tablets or capsules)
  • Injectables come as a 25mg injection vial. It is injected by a healthcare professional only.
  • Powder formulations are available in 75mg bags. The entire bag should be dissolved in water and drank at once as one dose.
  • Eye drops (0.1%) can be used for pink eye.
• Take diclofenac doses every 8-12 hours, depending on your medical condition or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• This medicine is available as eye drops in combination with other drugs. Put one or two drops into the eyes every 4-6 hours.
• Apply diclofenac cream or gel to the affected outer body part every 4-6 hours. Wash your hands properly after use.
• Diclofenac suppositories should be inserted with an applicator into the anus (rectum) every night. Keep the medication in your fridge to prevent it from melting.
• Follow your healthcare providers' instructions on diclofenac use.
• Do not take alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Do not use two doses at the same time.
• If you use more than the prescribed amount, visit a healthcare provider immediately.

Side-effects that you may experience when you use this medicine include:

• Stomach pain.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling sick.
• Watery stools.
• Headache.
• Weakness.
• Pain or irritation at the site of injection.
• A skin rash if you are allergic to the drug.

In more serious cases, you may experience:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Stomach bleeding and ulcers.
• Chest pain or heart attack.

Report any other side effects that you experience to your healthcare provider.

• Do not use diclofenac tablets for children younger than 14 years.
• Your healthcare provider may recommend a diclofenac injection for your child when they are older than one year. In this case, the dose will be based on your child's weight.
• This medicine increases your risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any heart conditions or other medical issues.
• It can worsen stomach ulcers by irritating your stomach lining. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a stomach ulcer.
• It may cause kidney or liver problems when used for long periods of time.
• You may experience dizziness while using this medicine. Do not drive or operate any machinery when you use it.
• If you are to undergo surgery, do not use this medicine three days before the surgery. It may cause you to bleed more than usual.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any other medicine you are using, including herbal pills and nutraceuticals.
• Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Your healthcare provider may prescribe diclofenac for long-term treatment. You may need to take blood tests regularly. Your healthcare provider will also monitor you for signs of stomach bleeding.