Diclofenac helps relieve pain and reduces inflammation associated with certain conditions affecting the joints, muscles or tendons (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle strain or sprain, tendonitis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout) and bone (e.g. fractures, dislocations).
It can also be used to relieve pain associated with surgery, accidental injury, migraine (severe throbbing or pulsating sensation of head), or menstrual period.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Use Diclofenac exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a suppository.
Diclofenac suppository is to be inserted into the rectum. Do not eat, chew or swallow it. Do not use it in any other way. Try to go to the toilet before you insert the suppository.
To use Diclofenac suppository, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Remove the suppository from the wrapper.
- If you are right-handed, lie on your left side and pull your right knee up to your chest.
- Gently insert the suppository with the pointed end first into your rectum. Gently push it as far as it would go.
- Remain lying down for a few minutes to allow the suppository to melt.
- If you feel that the suppository is slipping out, press your buttocks together. It must remain in the rectum for the medicine to be absorbed.
- Wash and dry your hands.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not use Diclofenac suppository if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar painkillers such as aspirin, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, and celecoxib.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach ulcer or intestinal
- symptoms of bleeding from stomach or bowel e.g. black stools
- inflamed or painful rectum with bleeding or discharge
- severe heart problem
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Diclofenac suppository if you are on your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Alert your doctor if you are to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).
Do not use Diclofenac suppository with other NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and celecoxib.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- at risk for heart or blood vessel problems e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, smokers
- history of stomach ulcer
- stomach problems e.g. bleeding or black stools, heartburn after taking NSAID
- bowel problems e.g. Crohn’s disease (long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract), ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines)
- bleeding disorder or blood problems e.g. anaemia
- history of haemorrhoids or irritation of rectum
- lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- asthma or other lung problems e.g. COPD (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- dehydration
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Diclofenac suppository may make it more difficult for women to become pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are planning to have a baby soon or if you have problems becoming pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, blood potassium levels, liver or kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of weight, signs of stomach or bowel problems, changes in vision, relief of pain may also be needed.
Diclofenac may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: ringing in the ears, dizziness with sensations of spinning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, loss of appetite, stomach wind, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness, and application site irritation.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, palpitation
- sudden difficulty in speaking, weakness or numbness in face, arms, or legs
- pass out bloody stools or black as tar and vomiting blood, or ground coffee-like material
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- frequent sore throat, mouth ulcer, fever
- swelling of the ankles, feet, or hand
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- sudden change in appearance or the amount of urine produced
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Diclofenac suppository with other NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and celecoxib.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. aspirin, warfarin
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicine) e.g. prednisone, cortisone
- water pill
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- drospirenone (birth control pills)
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- trimethoprim (antibiotic)
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. lithium, citalopram
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. metformin
- quinolone antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin
- colestipol and cholestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicines)
- sulfinpyrazone (medicine for gout)
- voriconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat lung infection known as tuberculosis or TB)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diclofenac suppository.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the side effect caused by Diclofenac suppository.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from heat.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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