Diclofenac (Voltarol)

Diclofenac is used in the treatment of pain, swelling and inflammation in a wide range of disorders of the joints and muscles, and of the tendons; such conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, sprains, strains, other soft tissue injuries, fractures, tendonitis, and backache. It is also useful following dental and/or minor surgery, and may be given for migraine headaches.

Can I get Diclofenac online?

We can prescribe Diclofenac online if you complete a brief online consultation form. Medicines are delivered the next day so long as your order is on the system before 3.30 pm.

What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is one of a class of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This medicine may be either diclofenac sodium or diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac relieves pain and reduces inflammation by blocking an enzyme called COX (cyclo-oxygenase), which plays a role in producing prostaglandins. When we are injured or have certain medical conditions, our body makes prostaglandins which cause pain and inflammation.

How to use Diclofenac

Diclofenac is made in a variety of forms, including tablets (standard, rapid, modified-release, enteric-coated), gels, spray, suppositories, and injections. Tablets are taken whole with water, preferably while you are having a meal or just after. Another medicine may be prescribed with diclofenac tablets to protect your stomach. Gels are rubbed into the affected area and sprays are sprayed onto the relevant skin site. Suppositories are gently inserted through the anus into the rectum (back passage) and pushed as high up as possible using your finger. Diclofenac injections may be given intramuscularly or as an infusion into a vein.

Your doctor will select a form, strength, and dose of diclofenac effective in the treatment of your condition. The dose is usually the lowest taken for the shortest length of time. People of 65 years and older or who are underweight may have to take lower doses. Never take an extra dose because you forgot to take your medicine; take it when you remember but if it is too close to the following dose, leave it until you are next due a dose. Do not take more than advised, and seek medical attention quickly if you accidently do so.

Who can use Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is generally for adult-use only. While the gel and sprays may be used by children aged 14 years or more, other preparations are not recommended for children.

Reasons for you not using diclofenac include allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the constituents of the diclofenac preparation or other NSAIDs (shown by facial/mouth swelling, breathing troubles, and skin rash). Your gastrointestinal tract can be affected so you cannot take diclofenac if you suffer with stomach or duodenal ulcers or bleeds anywhere in the gut. Additionally, do not take diclofenac if you have kidney or liver problems, heart and blood vessel disease (e.g., heart attack, stroke), or are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or (potentially) breastfeeding. Additionally, if you have any of the following conditions, mention them to the doctor before taking this medicine: disorders of the stomach, bowel, liver, kidneys, blood, or heart, or you have asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, stroke, diabetes or sugar intolerance, lupus, or you smoke.

Your doctor will be interested about all your other medicines, including those that are classified as NSAIDs, anti-inflammatories, or steroids, or you take medicines to treat: stomach or bowel problems, diabetes, mental problems (e.g. lithium), depression (e.g., SSRIs), inflammatory conditions (e.g., methotrexate), infections (e.g., trimethoprim, quinolone, voriconizole), blood clotting, heart disorders (e.g., digoxin, beta blockers), cholesterol-lowering agents, seizures (e.g., phenytoin), or cancer, or after a transplant, or to terminate a pregnancy.

Diclofenac Side Effects

Stomach troubles, feeling sick and being sick, bleeding in your digestive tract (as shown by vomiting blood or very dark faeces), skin rash/itch/redness/peeling, facial/lip swelling, changes to your urine output and colour, wheezing/difficulty with breathing, more easily bruise, and increases in sore throat and infection rates are all side effects that could be serious and need to be reported to your doctor. Most people do not get any side effects whatsoever.

Commonly, gastric problems (e.g., feeling sick, being sick, stomach ache, indigestion, and flatuance), headache, feeling dizzy, skin rashes, and increases in your blood liver enzyme levels occur. Rarely, more serious gastric problems (e.g., bleeding or ulcers in the stomach, inflammation, blood in faeces, diarrhoea), itchy skin rashes, low blood pressure, ankle swelling, and liver disorders (e.g., jaundice) occur. Changes in your vision, hearing, sleep pattern, mood, mental state, and memory; and tremor/seizures, lung/colon/blood vessel inflammation, high blood pressure, heart disorders, and kidney disorders may be experienced very rarely.

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