Anti-inflammatory medicines such as Diclofenac sodium, can help to reduce inflammation and to reduce pain. Diclofenac sodium works by blocking the production of some of the body chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling and increased temperature.
Diclofenac sodium can take a few weeks to help improve inflammation but can start to relieve pain after the first dose.
This medication is not suitable for everyone so it’s important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
You may not be suitable for this medication if you:
- are a female who is trying to have a baby or having difficulty with conceiving
- are allergic or sensitive to or have had a bad reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past
- are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- are currently having investigations for infertility
- are elderly
- are frail
- are pregnant
- are prone to bleeding
- are underweight
- have an infection
- have angioedema
- have bleeding problems
- have blood problems
- have cerebrovascular problems
- have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- have connective tissue problems
- have Crohn’s disease
- have had mifepristone within the last 8-12 days
- have had recent surgery
- have kidney problems
- have liver problems
- have lupus or a lupus-like problem
- have nasal polyps
- have or have had asthma
- have or have had gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or bleeding
- have or have had heart problems
- have or have had high blood pressure
- have peripheral vascular disease
- have porphyria
- have rhinitis
- have risk factors for heart or circulation problems such as: diabetes, hyperlipidaemia or smoking
- have salt and water imbalances
- have ulcerative colitis
- have urticaria
Side Effects
Everyone’s reaction to a medicine is different. You may experience some of the side effects listed below or none at all. If you are having problems with this medicine, it’s important to tell your GP immediately.
Common side effects are:
- abnormal laboratory test results
- diarrhoea
- feeling dizzy
- flatulence
- headaches
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- skin problems or hypersensitivity reactions
- stomach pain
- vertigo
- vomiting
If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS non-emergency number on 111 (You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation)
