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Voltaren

(diclofenac)

In this factsheet:
• How does Voltaren work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Voltaren?
• What form(s) does Voltaren come in?
• Who should NOT take Voltaren?
• What side effects are possible with Voltaren?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Voltaren?
• What other drugs could interact with Voltaren?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Voltaren work? What will it do for me?

Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It works by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. The tablet and suppository are used to relieve pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. The eye drop is used to reduce eye inflammation before and after eye surgery (e.g., cataract surgery) and in other cases of eye inflammation where infection is not present.

Your doctor may choose to use this medication for conditions other than the ones listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Voltaren?

Tablets: The usual adult dosage ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg daily. The immediate release tablets are taken in three equally divided doses with food, while the long-acting (sustained release, or SR) tablets are taken in 1 or 2 daily doses with food or milk. The maximum recommended daily dose of diclofenac is 150 mg.

Suppositories: The suppositories are usually used as a substitute for the last daily dose in a 50 mg or 100 mg strength, to a maximum total daily dose of 150 mg of diclofenac.

Eye drops: For inflammation, it is recommended that one drop be put into the eye 4 to 5 times daily. For surgery, the eye drops are used as follows:

• in the 3 hours before the surgery, one drop is put into the eye up to a maximum of 5 times
• in the first 45 minutes after surgery, one drop is put into the eye every 15 minutes
• subsequently, one drop may be put into the eye 3 to 5 times daily as needed

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Voltaren come in?

Voltaren Tablets

25 mg
Each yellow, round, slightly biconvex, enteric-coated tablet, printed "VOLTAREN" on one side and "25" on the other, contains diclofenac sodium 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: black ink, castor oil derivatives, cellulose compound, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, polymethacrylate, povidone, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, talc and titanium dioxide. Alcohol-, bisulfite-, gluten-, parabens- and tartrazine-free.

50 mg
Each light brown, round, slightly biconvex, enteric-coated tablet, printed "VOLTAREN" on one side and "50" on the other, contains diclofenac sodium 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: black ink, castor oil derivatives, cellulose compound, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, polymethacrylate, povidone, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, talc and titanium dioxide. Alcohol-, bisulfite-, gluten-, parabens- and tartrazine-free.

Voltaren SR Tablets

75 mg
Each light pink, triangular, biconvex, film-coated, slow-release tablet, printed "VOLTAREN" on one side and "SR" over "75" on the other, contains diclofenac sodium 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: black ink, carnauba wax, cellulose compounds, cetyl alcohol, colloidal silicon dioxide, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, povidone, sugar, talc and titanium dioxide. Alcohol-, bisulfite-, gluten-, lactose-, parabens- and tartrazine-free.

100 mg
Each pink, round, biconvex, film-coated, slow-release tablet, printed "VOLTAREN SR" on one side and "100" on the other, contains diclofenac sodium 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: black ink, carnauba wax, cellulose compounds, cetyl alcohol, colloidal silicon dioxide, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, povidone, sugar, talc and titanium dioxide. Alcohol-, bisulfite-, gluten-, lactose-, parabens- and tartrazine-free.

Voltaren Suppositories

50 mg
Each yellowish-white, torpedo-shaped suppository, with smooth surface, contains diclofenac sodium 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: semi-synthetic glycerides.

100 mg
Each yellowish-white, torpedo-shaped suppository, with smooth surface, contains diclofenac sodium 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: semi-synthetic glycerides.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Voltaren?

Diclofenac should not be taken by anyone who:

• currently has or recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• has significant liver impairment or liver disease
• has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• is currently taking other NSAIDs
• is or may be allergic to diclofenac or any of the ingredients of the medication
• has had an allergic reaction to ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications.

Suppositories should not be used by anyone who:

• has any inflammatory lesions of the rectum or anus
• has recently had rectal or anal bleeding

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