How
should Voltaren be used?
Voltaren comes as a regular and extended-release (long-lasting)
tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day.
Do not crush the tablets; swallow them whole. Follow the directions
on your label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take Diclofenac sodium
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
Voltaren : Full
Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Diclofenac sodium, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you
are allergic to Voltaren, aspirin or other medications for pain
or arthritis, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol
(Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water
pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid),
medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol
(Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid
(Benemid), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney
disease; high blood pressure; gastritis; intestinal problems such
as bleeding from the stomach or rectum; ulcers or other gastrointestinal
disease; or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Diclofenac
sodium, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Diclofenac sodium.
you should know that Diclofenac sodium may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Diclofenac sodium
affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Diclofenac sodium.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Voltaren cause?
Although side effects from Voltaren are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
headache
dizziness
nervousness
upset stomach
stomach pain or cramps
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
bloody vomit
bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
ringing in the ears
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
skin rash
itching
What storage conditions are needed for Voltaren?
Keep Diclofenac sodium in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Voltaren.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have.
Voltaren : Full
Prescribing Information
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