Diclofenac: What to Know Before You Take It
Also sold as Voltaren, Cambia
What Diclofenac Is Used For
Uses for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
Warnings
Warnings For external use only Allergy alert: Diclofenac may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include: hives asthma (wheezing) skin reddening blisters facial swelling shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Liver warning: This product contains diclofenac. Liver damage may occur if you apply more or for a longer time than directed when using other drugs containing diclofenac Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is small but higher if you are age 60 or older have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product apply more or for longer than directed Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed. Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or to a fever reducer for strains, sprains, bruises or sports injuries. This product has not been shown to work for these types of injuries. right before or after heart surgery on more than 2 body areas at the same time in the eyes, nose or mouth Ask a doctor before us if you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers stomach bleeding warning applies to you you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke you are taking a diuretic you are under age 18 years. It is not known if this drug works or is safe in children under age 18 years. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition taking any other drug When using this product avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth if eye contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water Stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days redness or swelling is present in the painful area fever occurs skin irritation occurs any new symptoms appear. These could be signs of a serious condition. you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint have bloody or black stools vomit blood have stomach pain that does not get better you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain trouble breathing leg swelling weakness in one part or side of body slurred speech If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use this product during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Diclofenac Drug Interactions (8)
Check Diclofenac against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Most-Reported Side Effects
Based on 162,477 reports in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Explore full Diclofenac safety data in our free FDA Safety Explorer
FDA Recalls (11)
Failed Viscosity Specifications: Out of Specification (OOS) [slightly lower than the limit] result in viscosity for Diclofenac Sodium Gel, 3%.
Recalling firm: SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
Failed PH Specifications
Recalling firm: Cipla USA, Inc.
Defective Delivery System
Recalling firm: ALEMBIC PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Recalling firm: Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Recalling firm: Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Presence of split or broken tablets.
Recalling firm: Actavis Laboratories, FL, Inc.
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Recall due to complaints of split or broken tablets.
Recalling firm: Actavis Laboratories, FL, Inc.
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Recall due to complaints of split or broken tablets.
Recalling firm: Actavis Laboratories, FL, Inc.
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Split tablets were found in the 12-month stability samples.
Recalling firm: Watson Laboratories, Inc.-(Actavis) - Florida
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Broken tablets
Recalling firm: Watson Laboratories, Inc.-(Actavis) - Florida
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: Broken tablets
Recalling firm: Actavis Inc
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.