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Generic Name: Diclofenac sodium
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Voltaren is a pain reliever used for arthritis. It belongs to a class of
medications commonly called NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Other medicines in this category include over-the-counter analgesics
like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve) as well as
prescription arthritis pills such as Lodine, Naprosyn or Relafen.
Side Effects and Interactions
Unquestionably the most common side effects of
Voltaren involve the gastrointestinal tract. They include nausea, indigestion,
heartburn, cramps, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
Some people may
develop ulcers and intestinal bleeding while taking Voltaren. Occasionally these
problems can occur without obvious symptoms and lead to a life-threatening
crisis due to perforation of the stomach lining.
Older people appear to
be more susceptible to this problem and should be monitored carefully.
Warning signs include weight loss, persistent indigestion, a feeling of
fullness after moderate meals, dark or tarry stools, anemia and unusual fatigue.
Home stool tests such as Hemoccult or Fleet Detecatest may provide an early
indication of bleeding.
Other side effects to be alert for include
headache, ringing in the ears, rash, itching, and fluid retention.
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and
confusion are possible, so do not drive if you become impaired.
Less
common adverse reactions include jitteriness, insomnia, difficulty breathing,
hair loss, depression, changes in appetite, hearing loss, visual disturbances,
sores in the mouth and heart palpitations. Report any symptoms to your physician
promptly.
Voltaren can affect both the kidney and liver, so periodic
blood tests to monitor the function of these organs are important.
Some
people become sensitive to sunlight while on Voltaren, so use an effective
sunscreen, stay covered or avoid the sun.
This medication can interact
with many other drugs including aspirin, alcohol, certain blood pressure pills,
and the ulcer medicine Pepcid.
A person taking a blood thinner like Coumadin
may become more vulnerable to a dangerous bleeding ulcer.
All the
NSAIDs, including Voltaren, can make methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Rheumatrex),
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, etc.) and Lanoxin
far more toxic.
When Voltaren is combined with Sandimmune the risk of
kidney damage is increased.
Because of a possible risk of hemmorhage, we
advise against combining
ginkgo biloba extract with this medicine.
Check with your pharmacist and
physician to make sure Voltaren is safe in combination with any other drugs you
take.
Special Precautions
People who are allergic to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents should avoid Voltaren.
Signs of allergy include breathing difficulties, rash, fever, or a sudden drop in blood pressure and require immediate medical attention.
Taking the Medicine
Because Voltaren can be hard on the digestive tract, it may be taken with food to reduce tummy trouble. This does not, however, guarantee that the drug will be safe for the stomach.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
While taking this medicine I kept having ringing in the ears and upset stomachs every day, i also started wetting the bed, which my doctor told me was to do with this medication. This is not listed as one of the side effects. I've had to stop taking them now, and have been taking other treatment for my arthritis.
Posted by: emma | October 14, 2007 7:31 AM
I just heard about Voltaren Gel. Do the same side effects relate to the gel also? Where can I find out about Voltaren Gel?
Posted by: CM | June 3, 2008 5:17 PM
My husband just started to take Diclofenac-K or Novo-Difenac-K (there were two names on his pill bottle). After 3 days he fell very ill with nausea and cramping and water in his lungs. He stopped taking it, and is feeling way better today. It was for his swollen hands with arthritis. He can't take Morphine or menthotreksan either.
Was wondering does this new pill have these compounds in it? I can't seem to get a straight answer from the pharmacy people. His doctor is a country doctor and not up on these pills. He looked it up in his book and said well give it a try and see. Well we now know this drug is not good for him.
I would like to know what drug he could take and feel better on. He had a heart stint put in his artery and they say he is ok as far as the heart goes. Just so much pain and swelling in his arms, shoulder and radiates to his hands.
He is soon to be 75 years in Sept and we are on a low pension. These pill prices are somewhat high for us just to experiment with and get no results. Hoping you can tell us something about these pills and maybe know of a better one and a safer one for him. Celebrex doesn't work either. He has tried a lot of them in these past years. I forget most of them. Thank you Elaine
Posted by: Lawrence | July 1, 2008 4:33 PM