Information about Diclofenac (Generic Voltaren) :


Diclofenac/Misoprostol is an NSAID and prostaglandin analog combination that is used to treat joint swelling, pain, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients who are at a high risk of developing NSAID-induced ulcers or their complications. This drug relieves joint pain and inflammation. The prostaglandin presence helps to protect stomach and reduces acid secretion. The usage of Diclofenac/Misoprostol lowers the risk of ulcers. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Diclofenac/Misoprostol in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Diclofenac/Misoprostol or other prostaglandins; you are pregnant; you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Diclofenac/Misoprostol:
Before using Diclofenac/Misoprostol you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a history of kidney or liver problems, the blood disease porphyria, bleeding problems, lupus, heart disease, ulcer problems, or high blood pressure; you have asthma; bone marrow depression; canker sores; or a hole, bleeding, or destruction of tissue in the stomach or intestines; or you are dehydrated; you drink alcohol.

Be aware that Diclofenac/Misoprostol may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), heparin, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because the risk of side effects, such as bleeding, may be increased; cyclosporine or methotrexate because the risk of toxicity may be increased; lithium because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Diclofenac/Misoprostol; quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin) because the risk of side effects, such as seizures, may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Diclofenac/Misoprostol:
Read Medication Guide carefully before start taking any medicine. You should use Diclofenac/Misoprostol as recommended by your doctor. It is taken orally with or without food. To reduce stomach irritation, take this medication with food.

Try not to take magnesium-containing antacids while using Diclofenac/Misoprostol. In case an antacid is necessity, take one contains calcium or aluminum.

In case you miss a dose of Diclofenac/Misoprostol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Ask your health care provider for additional information about Diclofenac/Misoprostol usage.

Important safety information:
Diclofenac/Misoprostol usage may lead to drowsiness. These effects may be worsened by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions while taking Diclofenac/Misoprostol.

Try to avoid the sun, sunlamps because Diclofenac/Misoprostol may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing in case you can not prevent such impacts.

Diabetes patients should be aware that Diclofenac/Misoprostol may affect your blood sugar. Thus, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Consult with your doctor before any dose changes of your diabetes drugs.

Use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking Diclofenac/Misoprostol.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, liver function tests, and electrolytes, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Do not use Diclofenac/Misoprostol in CHILDREN as safety and effectiveness in children have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
You should not use Diclofenac/Misoprostol in case you are pregnant. Try to avoid pregnancy while taking it. If you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. You should not breast-feed a baby while using Diclofenac/Misoprostol as it is not clear whether Diclofenac/Misoprostol passes into breast milk.

Possible side effects of Diclofenac/Misoprostol:
You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; swelling; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines; dark urine; fever; heart failure; increase in asthma attacks; increased liver injury; loss of appetite; severe diarrhea; sore throat; trouble breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; vaginal bleeding after menopause; vision or hearing problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the shelf life of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.