home > drugs a-z list > solaraze (diclofenac sodium) drug center > solaraze (diclofenac sodium) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye redness/itching, headache, shortness of breath, muscle pain, swelling at application site.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, unexplained stiff neck, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), persistent/severe headache, swelling hands/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), fast/pounding heartbeat, fainting.

Other medications similar to this medication may infrequently cause serious bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Also, related drugs rarely have caused blood clots to form, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention: black/bloody stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech.

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Stop using diclofenac and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdomen pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using diclofenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestine problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), heart disease (e.g., heart failure, history of heart attack), high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, water retention), poorly controlled diabetes, a severe loss of body water (dehydration), blood disorders (e.g., anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding, especially when combined with this medicine. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your condition may get worse when exposed to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing when outdoors. Ask your doctor whether you should use sunscreen along with this medication.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and kidney effects.

During the first 6 months of pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and problems with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.