Voltaren

This side effects list is not complete. If you have any questions about side effects you should consult your doctor. Report any new or continuing symptoms to your doctor right away.

Why should Voltaren not be prescribed?

If you have an allergic reaction to Voltaren or Cataflam, or if you have had asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Voltaren

Remember that this medication has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

Use this drug cautiously if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention.

This medication 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 (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain) have been linked to this medication. If symptoms such as fever and coma develop, alert the doctor immediately.

In rare instances, this drug may also affect your vision. If you notice any problems, stop taking the drug and check with your doctor.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Voltaren

If Voltaren or Cataflam is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Voltaren with the following:

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
Phenobarbital

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take this drug late in your pregnancy; it could harm the baby. Check with your doctor before taking the drug early in pregnancy; it should be used only if necessary. The drug does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Voltaren is finished.