Drug Description

Voltarol Ireland aka Voltaren (generic name: Diclofenac) represents an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug (NSAID). The basic principle behind Diclofenac work is the reduction of substances in the body, which cause inflammation and pain. Voltarol Ireland is applied for treatment of mild to moderate pain, as well as symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

General Information

Avoid using Voltarol Ireland if your medical history contains the allergic reactions to aspirin and/or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Voltarol can also cause intestinal or stomach bleeding, which in fact can be fatal. Such conditions may occur without any warning signals, while you are using Voltarol, especially it is applicable for older adults.

Precautions

Voltarol Ireland may increase the risk of fatal heart attack and/or stroke, mostly if a patient takes it for a long period of time or take high doses, as well as if a patient suffers from heart-related diseases. The risk of a stroke or heart attack still persists during the treatment with Voltarol Ireland, even among people without any heart diseases or specific risk factors. Hence, avoid using Voltarol right before or after the heart bypass surgery (e.g. coronary artery bypass graft or CABG).

You should abstain from using Voltarol if you have allergies to Diclofenac, or else if you have ever suffered from asthma attacks and/or severe allergic reactions after taking NSAID or aspirin.

To ensure Voltarol is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• history of stroke, heart attack or blood clot;
• heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or if you are a smoker;
• asthma;
• history of stomach bleeding or ulcers;
• kidney or liver disease;
• fluid retention.

In addition, you should abstain from taking Voltarol Ireland during the last 3 months of pregnancy period, as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant soon or already pregnant. It is not confirmed whether Diclofenac can pass into the breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. Hence, it is advised not to breastfeed during treatment period. Voltarol Ireland is not approved for use by patients younger than 18 years old.

How to take Voltarol Ireland

You should take Voltarol Ireland in exact accordance with the prescription from your doctor. Ensure the dosage is taken in accordance with instructions. Follow all the directions provided on your prescription label. Your physician may occasionally decide to change your dosage. Do not take Voltarol Ireland in amounts larger or for a longer period than recommended. Take the lowest dose which is effective for treatment of your condition. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking Voltarol tablet and swallow the tablet whole. In case, if you take Voltarol for a long term, you may require frequent medical tests to be conducted. Store Voltarol at room temperature and keep away from heat and moisture. Ensure the bottle is tightly closed at all times when not in use. Familiarize yourself with the entire patient information, instruction sheets and medication guides provided to you. Consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions.

Side Effects

Seek for immediate emergency medical help if you experience and signs of allergic reaction to Voltarol, i.e. runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, trouble breathing, wheezing, hives and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat.

Seek for emergency medical assistance if you feel any signs of stroke or heart attack: sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, chest pain spreading to shoulder or jaw, shortness of breath, slurred speech etc.

Stop taking Voltarol Ireland and contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• shortness of breath (even if there is a mild exertion);
• the first signs of skin rash (no matter how mild);
• rapid weight gain or swelling;
• signs of stomach bleeding, i.e. tarry or bloody stools, vomit that has a look like coffee grounds, coughing up blood;
• kidney problems – little or no urination, difficult or painful urination, swelling in ankles or feet, feeling tired or shortness of breath;
• liver problems – upper stomach pain, nausea, tired feeling, itching, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, loss of appetite, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• low red blood cells (anaemia) –feeling light-headed, pale skin, shortness of breath, trouble concentrating, rapid heart rate;
• high blood pressure –pounding in ears or neck, severe headache, anxiety, nosebleed, confusion;
• severe skin reaction –sore throat, fever, swelling in tongue or face, burning in eyes, skin pain accompanied by a purple or red skin rash spreading (especially in the upper body or face) and causes peeling or blistering.

Common Voltarol side effects may include:

• constipation, diarrhoea;
• gas, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting;
• stuffy nose;
• headache, drowsiness, dizziness;
• increased blood pressure;
• increased sweating, itching;
• pain or swelling in arms or legs.