What is Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium used for?

This medicine is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis and stiffness of the spine).

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking or planning to take any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition if you have high blood pressure

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium?

This medicine can cause fluid retention. Use this medicine with caution if you have high blood pressure, liver or kidney impairment, or heard disease.

What are the side effects of Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium?

Most severe: Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), anemia, anxiety, appetite change, asthma, black stools, blood disorders, bloody diarrhea, blurred vision, changes in taste, colitis, congestive heart failure, convulsions, decrease in white blood cells, decreased urine production, depression, double vision, drowsiness, dry mouth and mucous membranes, hair loss, hearing loss, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, inability to sleep, inflammation of the colon, inflammation of mouth, inflammation of the pancreas, irritability, kidney failure, liver disease, low blood pressure, nosebleed, red or purple skin discoloration and itching, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions and inflammation, scaling or peeling, sores in the gullet, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe form of skin eruption), swelling of eyelids, lips, and tongue, swelling of the throat due to fluid retention, vague feeling of illness, vision changes, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin

Most common: Abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea

Other: Abdominal bleeding, abdominal swelling, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, itching, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears

How should I take Voltaren/Diclofenac Sodium?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. To minimize stomach upset and related side effects, your doctor may recommend taking this medicine with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may delay onset of relief. Take this drug with a full glass of water. Also, do not lie down for about 20 minutes after taking it. This will help to prevent irritation in your upper digestive tract.