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Voltaren |
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What is Voltaren and why is it prescribed? Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Voltaren-XR, the extended-release form of Voltaren, is used only for long-term treatment. You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Voltaren regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning. How should you take Voltaren? Follow your doctors directions for taking Voltaren. To minimize upset stomach and related side effects, your doctor may recommend taking Voltaren with food, milk, or an antacid. However, this may delay onset of relief. Take Voltaren with a full glass of water. Also, do not lie down for about 20 minutes after taking it. This will help to prevent irritation in your upper digestive tract. If you miss a dose and you take this medicine on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Voltaren at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from moisture. Are there any Voltaren side effects? Voltaren side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Voltaren side effects may include abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, and nausea. Less common Voltaren side effects may include abdominal bleeding, abdominal swelling, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, itching, peptic ulcers, rash, and ringing in the ears. Rare Voltaren side effects may include anaphylaxis, anemia, anxiety, appetite change, asthma, black stools, blood disorders, bloody diarrhea, blurred vision, changes in taste, colitis, congestive heart failure, convulsions, decrease in white blood cells, decreased urine production, depression, double vision, drowsiness, dry mouth and mucous membranes, hair loss, hearing loss, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, inability to sleep, inflammation of the colon, inflammation of mouth, inflammation of the pancreas, irritability, kidney failure, liver disease, low blood pressure, nosebleed, red or purple skin discoloration and itching, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions and inflammation, scaling or peeling, sores in the gullet, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, swelling of eyelids, lips, and tongue, swelling of the throat due to fluid retention, vague feeling of illness, vision changes, vomiting, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Voltaren? If Voltaren is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Voltaren with Aspirin, Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Digitalis drugs (such as Lanoxin), Diuretics (such as Dyazide, Midamor, and Lasix), Insulin or oral antidiabetes medications (such as Micronase), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Methotrexate, or Phenobarbital. Are there any special warnings about Voltaren? Remember that Voltaren has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem. Use Voltaren cautiously if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention. Voltaren can also cause liver problems. If you develop signs of liver disease such as nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, yellowish eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your abdomen, or flu-like symptoms, notify your doctor at once. Rare cases of meningitis have been linked to this medication. If symptoms such as fever and coma develop, alert the doctor immediately. In rare instances, Voltaren may also affect your vision. If you notice any problems, stop taking Voltaren and check with your doctor. |
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