Voltaren Arthritis Pain Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

When using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, it is important to be aware of potential risks and necessary precautions. Here are key safety considerations:

• Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Diclofenac may infrequently elevate the risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk can occur at any point during treatment but tends to be higher with prolonged use. Older adults or individuals with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors (e.g., smoking, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes) may experience a heightened risk. It is crucial not to use this medication immediately before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risks: There is a rare possibility of severe, potentially fatal bleeding occurring in the stomach or intestines while taking diclofenac. This adverse effect can happen suddenly and without prior symptoms. The risk is notably higher in older adults.

• Serious Side Effects Warning: Discontinue the use of diclofenac and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following rare but critical symptoms: persistent stomach or abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, chest, jaw, or left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, or difficulty speaking.

• Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Discuss the potential benefits and risks of using diclofenac with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is appropriate for your health needs.

You might experience mild skin irritation or redness where the medication is applied. This is common and usually temporary, but if it persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider. Many individuals using this medication do not encounter significant side effects, so try not to worry too much about it.

Be aware that this medication can increase your blood pressure. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and inform your healthcare provider if you notice elevated readings.

There are some serious side effects to watch for, though they are less common. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs of kidney problems such as changes in urine output, or symptoms of heart failure like swollen ankles, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain.

Although rare, this drug may cause severe liver issues. Seek urgent medical attention if you have persistent nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.

Additionally, while a severe allergic reaction is rare, it is important to recognize the symptoms. Get emergency help if you experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you notice any other unusual symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Certain medications can interact with this drug, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing side effects. These include aliskiren, ACE inhibitors like captopril and lisinopril, angiotensin II receptor blockers such as losartan and valsartan, cidofovir, corticosteroids like dexamethasone and prednisone, lithium, methotrexate, topical products applied to treated skin, and diuretics such as furosemide.

Using this medication alongside others that increase bleeding risk, like antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel) and blood thinners (e.g., dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin), or erlotinib, may raise bleeding risks.

Review all medication labels, including over-the-counter ones, as many contain pain or fever reducers like aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac), which are similar to diclofenac and can heighten side effects. If you're on low-dose aspirin (81-162 mg daily) for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.