Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Arthrotec (diclofenac & misoprostol), Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltarol

Medication type - NSAID

Common side effects - Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, sleepiness.

Rare side effects - Ulcers or sores in mouth, depression, rashes or blistering of skin, ringing sound in the ears, unusual tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, seizures, blurred vision. Also elevated potassium levels, decreased blood counts; such problems can be detected by your doctor.

Serious side effects - Shortness of breath or wheezing, with or without swelling of legs or other signs of heart failure; chest pain; peptic ulcer disease with vomiting of blood; black, tarry stools; decreasing kidney function. Call your doctor immediately.

Uses - To treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation.

Other notes - Starts to work within 30 minutes. Take with food. Prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal problems, including ulceration and bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and liver inflammation. Consult your physician about the need for medical examinations and laboratory studies. Avoid alcohol when using this medication because it increases the risk of stomach irritation. Avoid or discontinue this drug if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Diclofenac passes into breast milk; avoid or discontinue use while nursing. Because NSAIDs can inhibit blood coagulation, this drug should be discontinued at least 3 days prior to any surgery. Do not crush or chew the tablets.