Voltaren

Brand Names

Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor

What is Voltaren

Voltaren (diclofenac) is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces substances in the body that cause pain inflammation.

Side effects of Voltaren

You should stop using Voltaren and inform your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• black, bloody or tarry stools
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling or rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin
• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Indication

Voltaren is used to cure pain or inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Precautions

You should not use Voltaren just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft or CABG).

Voltaren may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.

This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Voltaren, especially in older adults.

You should not use Voltaren if you are allergic to diclofenac, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Dosage forms

The dose of Voltaren depends on a number of factors:

• The form of Voltaren
• The medical condition being treated
• Other medical conditions you may have
• Other medications you are currently taking

Voltaren Dosage for Osteoarthritis: 50 mg two or three times a day or 75 mg twice daily.

Voltaren Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis: 50 mg three or 4 times a day or 75 mg twice daily. If you're taking Voltaren, the recommended dosage is 100 mg once a day.