Voltaren (Diclofenac Sodium) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Voltaren

Ankylosing Spondylitis »

Ankylosing spondylitis facts

Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions which tend to cause chronic inflammation of the spine (spondyloarthropathies).
Ankylosing spondylitis affects males two to three times more commonly than females.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a cause of back pain in adolescents and young adults.
The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited.
The HLA-B27 gene can be detected in the blood of most patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the eyes, heart, lungs, and occasionally the kidneys.
The optimal treatment of ankylosing spondylitis involves medications that reduce inflammation or suppress immunity, physical therapy, and exercise.

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammat...

Read the Ankylosing Spondylitis article »

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Voltaren®
(diclofenac sodium) Enteric-Coated Tablets of 75 mg

CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk. (See WARNINGS.)
Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets) is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see WARNINGS).

GASTROINTESTINAL RISK

NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events. (See WARNINGS.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets) is a benzene-acetic acid derivative. Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) is available as delayed-release (enteric-coated) tablets of 75 mg (light pink) for oral administration. The chemical name is 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino] benzeneacetic acid, monosodium salt. The molecular weight is 318.14. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NNaO₂, and it has the following structural formula

Voltaren®
(diclofenac sodium) Structural Formula Illustration

The inactive ingredients in Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) include: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium starch glycolate, talc, titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking diclofenac and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Voltaren »

What are the precautions when taking diclofenac sodium (Voltaren)?

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

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), kidney disease, liver disease, asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), stroke, dehydration, bleeding or clotting problems, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist...

Read All Potential Precautions of Voltaren »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/11/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.