Brand Name

Voltaren {Novartis}

Generic Name

diclofenac, pronounced dye KLOE fen ak

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Voltaren?

Voltaren is a medication to help relieve pain and inflammation caused from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Voltaren works by reducing the substances in your body that may cause you inflammation and pain. Voltaren may also be used for purposes not indicated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Voltaren

Voltaren is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs.

The use of Voltaren may cause heart or circulation problems, which can be life threatening. These problems may include heart attack or stroke, particularly if you use Voltaren on a long-term basis.

You should not use Voltaren before or after heart bypass surgery.

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with your vision or balance while taking Voltaren.

Voltaren may rarely cause serious intestinal or stomach bleeding or perforations (forming of holes). These conditions are more likely to happen to older adults, and they can occur without warning and be fatal. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms which may indicate intestinal bleeding, like tarry or bloody stools, or if you cough or vomit blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.

You should not drink alcohol while taking Voltaren. You increase your risk of stomach bleeding if you drink alcohol while taking Voltaren.

Voltaren increases your sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to wear protective clothing when you are outdoors, use an SPF 15 or higher and avoid tanning beds.

Children under age 18 should not take Voltaren.

Before You Take Voltaren

If you are allergic to diclofenac you should not take Voltaren.

If you have an allergy or a history of allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs you should not take Voltaren.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Voltaren is in FDA pregnancy category D. If you take Voltaren during the last 3 months of your pregnancy it may harm your unborn baby. Voltaren passes into breast milk and may affect your baby if you are nursing. You should not take Voltaren if you are breast-feeding.

You should not take other NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen while you are taking Voltaren. Be cautious about taking cold medicines that may contain NSAIDs. You do not want to take too much of this type of medication. Ask your doctor before taking anything.

Tell your doctor if you a history of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or if you have congestive heart failure, heart disease or high blood pressure.

If you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, a blood clotting disorder or polyps in your nose you should tell your doctor before taking Voltaren.

If you smoke or have asthma you should let your doctor know before starting treatment with Voltaren.

Voltaren Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil,
  Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), or ramipril (Altace)
• antifungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan) and voriconazole (Vfend)
• cholesterol-lowering medications like fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide), fluvastatin (Lescol) and lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• furosemide (Lasix)
• ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet)
• pronbenecid (Benemid)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate)
• secobarbital (Seconal)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• steroids (Prednisone)
• sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP)
• teniposide (Vumon)
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• zafirlukast (Accolate)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Voltaren. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Voltaren

Voltaren may be taken with or without food. If you are concerned that Voltaren may upset your stomach you may take it with food or milk to lessen any potential stomach upset.

You should not break, chew or crush the Voltaren enteric-coated tablet. The enteric-coated tablet has a special coating which is designed to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill may damage this coating and also cause too much medication to be released at one time. Swallow the pill whole.

You should take Voltaren exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Voltaren in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may want to have your blood tested often if you take Voltaren long-term. This blood work may include liver function tests.

Voltaren needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Voltaren you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Voltaren Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Voltaren and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives or swelling of your face, lips , throat or tongue
• bloody, black or tarry stools
• clay colored stools
• chest pain
• coughing up blood, or vomit, that looks like coffee grounds
• itching and skin rash with bruising, numbness or pain
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin)
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain
• nausea
• neck stiffness with chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions)
• numbness or tingling
• problems with balance or vision
• rapid weight gain
• shortness of breath
• skin pain and severe reaction, followed by a purple or red rash which spread, mostly in your face or upper body, and causes blistering or peeling
• slurred speech
• swelling of your face, tongue, extremities
• upper stomach pain
• urinating less than normal or not at all
• weakness

Less serious side effects of Voltaren may include:

• bloating
• blurred vision
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• gas
• headache
• heartburn
• mild skin rash and itching
• nervousness
• ringing in your ears

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Voltaren. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Voltaren Description and Dosing

Voltaren is available in tablets of 75 mg, which are light pink.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Voltaren you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Voltaren

The primary active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac sodium. Inactive ingredients include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium starch glycolate, talc and titanium dioxide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.