Drug name: Generic Voltaren

Active substance: Diclofenac sodium

Pharmacological effects: Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which exerts anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme called COX. Thus, Voltaren acts on the metabolism of arachidonic acid and decreases the production of inflammation mediators.

Indications: Voltaren  is used in the following conditions:

• Acute arthritis of different genesis including gout
• Chronic arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile chronic polyarthritis
• Bechterew's disease and other inflammatory-rheumatoid disease of the spinal cord
• Arthrosis
• Soft tissue rheumatism
• Painful swelling and inflammation after trauma or surgery
• Non-rheumatic inflammatory conditions

Voltaren gel is indicated in the following conditions:

• post-traumatic inflammation of the soft tissue and joints(sprain, concussions, overstrain)
• rheumatic diseases of the soft tissue(tendovaginits, bursitis, danage of the periarticular tissues)
• pain syndrome and edema, associated with diseases of the muscles and joints

Warnings and Precautions: The drugs should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations.
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Haemopoietic dysfunctions
• Pregnancy III trimester
• Children under 6 years of age

The drug should be used with extreme caution in patients with:

• Liver failure
• Renal failure
• bronchial asthma
• Flu
• Dyspepsia
• Arterial hypertension
• Elderly people
• Lactation period

Side effects: Drugs may cause side-effects which in specific patients may manifest differently. In the following paragraph we want to underline the most serious and frequent side effect of Voltaren that  were identified by the drug manufacturers. The possibility of the adverse effect manifestation depends only on the individual and his specific traits. Voltaren side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, meteorism, anorexia, constipation, haemorrhage, perforation of the gastrointestinal wall,
• CNS: headaches, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence, disorientation, agitation, memory loss, vision changes, change of taste, ear ringing, seizures, tremor, psychic changes, depression, anxiety, aseptic meningitis
• Allergic reactions
• Renal dysfunction: swelling, nephritis, haematuria, proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome
• Liver dysfunctions: jaundice and etc.
• Haemopoietic system: thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia
• Cardiovascular system: Tachycardia, arterial hypertension, cardiac failure.

For full information on any risks and adverse effects associated with Voltaren, please consult your doctor, read the included leaflet or contact our customer support service.

Interactions: Before using Voltaren please tell your doctor which drugs or supplements you are already taking including those bought without a prescription. Also check if any additional medicine which you will take during the course of Voltaren therapy are safe in combination. Especially mention if you are taking the following groups of drugs:

• Cardiac glycosides
• Diuretics
• Hypertension treatment
• Other NSAID's
• Antibiotics
• Diabetes treatment
• Cytostatic agents
• Blood thinners

Patients information: Voltaren is not to be shared with healthy individuals. It is strictly FORBIDDEN to use the drugs in treatment of any conditions unrelated to their indications. The product as well as utilized vials, syringes, needles if used during the  course of treatment should be kept out of reach of children and never reused.