Diacerein helps relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (a condition where joint surfaces are damaged, causing pain and stiffness of the joints).
Take Diacerein exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition.
Take 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.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Crohn’s disease (long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract)
- ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines)
- blocked bowel
- abdominal pain of unknown cause
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Diacerein may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Diacerein if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other pain killers.
Do not take Diacerein with laxatives, (medicines used to treat constipation) and antacids (medicine that reduces stomach acid production).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- irritable bowel syndrome (a disorder that involves abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement such as constipation or diarrhoea)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
You may experience diarrhoea while being treated with Diacerein. This is normal and will get better with continuous use and intake of food. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost.
Other side effects include any of the following: abdominal pain, flatulence, dark yellow coloured urine, and rash.
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 take Diacerein with laxatives and antacids (e.g. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium) as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
- “water pill” or medicine for water retention
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diacerein.
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.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.