Voltaren: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Voltaren is Diclofenac Sodium. Voltaren is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Voltaren is used for to relieve the pain and inflammation of the rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, treatment of menstrual pain, and relief of mild to moderate pain, migraine and to reduce fever. Voltaren works by blocking and reducing the level of prostaglandis. Prostaglandins is a chemical produced in the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions and is responsible for causing inflammation, pain and fever. Relief from pain and fever usually comes within an hour of taking Voltaren; however, anti-inflammatory effects could take days or even weeks to become apparent. Voltaren is available over-the-counter and with prescription.

Voltaren Side Effects

Common side effects of Voltaren may include, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fluid retention and swelling, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, nervousness, rash, and vomiting. Rare side effects of Voltaren may include, abdominal bleeding, blood in urine, blurred vision, changes in heartbeat, confusion, depression, dry eyes, hives, inability to sleep, kidney or liver damage, severe allergic reactions, shortness of breath, sleepiness, stomach ulcer, vomiting blood, painful urination.

Ulcers or internal bleeding can happen especially when Voltaren is used for long time or in large doses.

Voltaren Caution

Avoid taking Voltaren if you are sensitive or allergic to aspirin, or if you have asthma.

Inform your physician any drug reactions that you have experienced with Voltaren in the past.

Drinking alcohol increases the side effects of Voltaren especially bleeding.

Do not use more than the dosage prescribed by your physician.

Taking Voltaren with blood pressure medicines such as beta-blockers and diuretics lowers their effectiveness.

Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning when using Voltaren.

Voltaren should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease.

Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory drugs while taking Voltaren unless advised by your physician.

If you have a severe allergic reaction from Voltaren, seek medical help right away.

If you are taking blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, Voltaren may extend bleeding time.

Voltaren should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation.

The smallest effective dose of Voltaren should be used for the shortest time possible to relieve the symptoms. If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your physician or pharmacist.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Voltaren may be linked with a small increase in the risk of a heart attack or stroke. The risk is associated with high doses and prolonged use of Voltaren.

Voltaren should be used with caution in seniors, people with history of disorders of stomach or intestines such as Crohn's disease or colitis decreased kidney or liver functions, heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), angina or history of heart attack, disease of the blood vessels in and around the brain, history of stroke or mini stroke, poor circulation, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and asthma.

Voltaren and Pregnancy

Voltaren may affect the heart of the developing fetus. If you are pregnant especially the last half of the pregnancy or might become pregnant, you should consult your physician or gynecologist before taking Voltaren.

Voltaren may pass into breast milk that could affect the heart of the baby. Nursing mothers should bottle feed while taking Voltaren.

Voltaren Doses

ADULTS: The standard dosage is 100 to 200mg a day. For seniors starting dose should be 1/3-1/2 of the usual dosage.

CHILDREN Consult your physician before giving Voltaren to children.

Voltaren Interactions

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including vitamins and herbs.

Voltaren should not be taken in combination with other painkillers such as Aspirin or ibuprofen, as this increases the risk of side effects on the stomach and intestines. Other COX-2 inhibitors should also be avoided for the same reason.

There may be an increased risk of ulceration or bleeding in the stomach if Voltaren is taken with corticosteroids or with the following drugs:

Anti-blood-clotting (anticoagulant) drugs
Anti-platelet drugs
SSRI antidepressants
Check with your physician before combining Voltaren with the following:

Blood pressure drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers
Blood thinners
Lithium
Diuretics
Methotrexate

Do not combine Voltaren with herbs like Garlic, Ginkgo and Ginseng.

Voltaren Overdose

Symptoms of Voltaren overdose may include acute depression (crying spell), abdominal pain, short breath, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, low blood pressure, nausea, seizures, and vomiting and even death. In case of an Voltaren overdose, seek medical attention right away.

If you miss a dose of Voltaren, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Voltaren.

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