Diclofenac sodium

Description

Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case)

Comments

I have found Diclofenac Sodium to be a very good painkiller, although not entirely free from side effects. Lucy - Oxford, UK

I was prescribed three per day after breaking my wrist. The effect was continuous severe pain in the left rib-cage, preventing horizontal sleep. This is still with me four days after stopping the tablets. Carol - Washington, UK

I've been taking NSAID for about 8 months now. Originally I took Ibuprofen but found that pain relief during the day was very up and down. I was subsequently prescribed Diclofenac (150 mg per day, slow release) Brilliant! My mobility is just about back to normal (was almost unable to get around). The only reason I searched the internet, and found this site, is I do worry about long term use. Pat - Wakefield, South Yokshire, UK

I have been taking Remedeine Forte for several months, but they only give me short term pain relief. They are however a great relief, when used with Diclofenac Sodium, the combination of both gives me daily pain relief. I have slight arthritis in my spine, and I also have Sciatica. Since the Doctor prescribed Diclofenac 50mg, three times a day, along with the Remedeine, 1 to 2 four times a day I have had total pain relief. No side effects at all from Diclofenac, but I have side effects from Remedeine Forte, which you will find under the Remedeine Forte section. Brian - Bedworth, UK

My mother was 84 years old and had fallen and broken her hip. After her operation she was prescribed Diclofenac. The doctor did not check her medical records and as she had ulcers in the aesophagus she should not have been prescribed the drug. After 3 days she showed symptons of stomach problems but they were not picked up by the doctor. After 10 days she died from peritonitis and a bleeding ulcer. The drug is good but great care must be taken when prescribing to anyone with a history of stomach problems. After prescripton of the drug patients must be monitored. Sheila - Dundee, Scotland

I take Diclofenac Sodium occasionally to combat pain from sports injury and found it very effective with no side effects. Tony - Birtley, Tyne & Wear, UK

I am 14 and have been given Diclofenac Sodium in conjunction with Buscopan to control the agonizing stabbing pains I'm having in my upper right abdominal area. Although it hasn't stopped the pain completely it has dulled it and taken the edge off it, while they find out what is causing it. I have only had one side effect which has been being constantly sleepy which is most probably caused by the Buscopan rather than the Diclofenac Sodium. Jayde - New Zealand

I was recently prescribed Diclofenac following surgery to alleviate inflammation. I have suffered extreme diarrhoea and pain in my upper left abdominal area. This pain and diarrhoea lingered for 2 days after discontinuing the medication. It was so severe that I had blood in my stools. Please be aware that these side affects can be very serious. CJW - Hillsborough, Iowa, USA

I am a 48 year old man in general good health. I was recently diagnosed with a torn or damaged rotator cuff injury to my left shoulder which severely limited the range of movement in that arm. I was prescribed 50Mg diclofenac sodium 3 three times a day for two weeks. The result has been miraculous, after only 10 days I now have only minimal symptoms and full use of my arm once more. The slight nausea I experienced went away when I followed the advice on the box and took the tablets with food. Brendan - Maidstone, Kent, UK

After hurting both my ankles I was prescribed Diclofenac Sodium and was told to take 2 tablets twice daily with food. This proved helpful with the swelling and took the edge off the pain, so I took more than the recommended dosage hoping for more pain relief... Then I suffered sweating, nausea etc. We must be careful. Kim - Sydney Australia

I am 63 and have osteo-arthritis in my knees plus lower back pain and other pains in pressure points which made getting to sleep very difficult. It had to keep room temperature high so that I could lie naked on top of the bed, using the duvet to help me find a comfortable position. My doctor prescribed Diclofenac as an ocasional helper alongside aspirin. Reaction time was slow, about two hours, but was heaven when it came.
Since then, I have stopped other medication and take 50 gms three times daily and the effect has been startling. I get a good night's sleep with the duvet over instead of under me, allowing a lower room temperature. If the pain gets extra bad I take another half strength pill. I experience no side effects and I can say that the Diclofenac has transformed my life. Kenneth - Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland

I was having excruciating pain in my left knee, (which had been intermittent after banging my knee in a cycle accident some 3 years previously). It was so bad that I needed a walking stick to stand up and move. After seeing the doctor and being prescribed this drug it was 3 HOURS later (after taking my first tablet) that I was able to walk normally. Within 36 hours all pain had gone completely. I now keep them handy to use only when needed. I swear by them and fortunately have had no side effects whatsoever. John - Bridlington, UK

I started taking sodium diclofenac (Dolo-fenil) for my chronic shoulder pain. It is much cheaper than Arcoxia. I started having problems with multiple cancer sores in my mouth. When I stopped the medication, the sores went away. I gave it a rest and started again some weeks after. The sores returned. I repeated this cycle twice just to be sure, and the results were the same. When taking the medication, the sores appeared. I received good pain relief, but I can't live with the side effects, so I have stopped taking it all together. Richard - Panama City - Rep. of Panama

I am 50 and used to play golf 4 times a week. Then I got bursitis and tendonitis in my right arm. I now take this once before golf once after golf and one before bed and I am good to play the next day. Without it I could only play once a week the pain was so bad! No side effects for me! Scott - Merritt Island, Florida, USA

I have suffered an RSI due to overuse and have been prescribed Diclofenac Sodium 50mg 3 times a day. I was in a lot of pain before treatment and now writing and typing are much easier! I also apply Voltarol Gel to the afflicted area and regularly apply a hot gel compress for comfort. So far it has been very effective. Darren - London, England

I find this medication is great relief for my lower back and knee pain. Regular pain relievers such as aspirins etc. did not offer half the relief that diclofenac gives me. I only worry about long terms effects of using this medicine. I am exercising and cutting my dose in half hoping to eventually get off of it. I have not had any adverse effects so far. Bill - Chicago, Illinois, USA

I have been given this drug for my back and it's worked wonders.
I have read all the small print on the things to watch out for and I've had no side effects.
I could take it 3 times a day, but I only choose to take it 2 times; once in the morning with breakfast then mid afternoon with a snack. All okay so far. Joanne - Manchester, England