Do not take Diclofenac:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Diclofenac, other NSAIDs, or any of the ingredients listed in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication. Signs of a hypersensitivity reaction include swelling of the face and mouth (angioedema), breathing problems, chest pain, runny nose, skin rash, or any other allergic type reaction
• If you have now, or have ever had, two or more distinct episodes of stomach (gastric) or duodenal (peptic) ulcer, or bleeding in the digestive tract (this can include blood in vomit, bleeding when emptying bowels, fresh blood in faeces or black, tarry faeces)
• If you have had stomach or bowel problems after you have taken other NSAIDs
• If you have heart, kidney, or liver failure
• If you have established heart disease and/or cerebrovascular disease, e.g. if you have had a heart attack, stroke, mini-stroke (TIA) or blockages to blood vessels to the heart or brain or an operation to clear or bypass blockages
• If you have or have had problems with your blood circulation (peripheral arterial disease)
• If you are more than six months pregnant

Warnings & Precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Diclofenac:

• If you suffer from any stomach or bowel disorders including Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease
• If you have kidney or liver problems, or you are elderly
• If you have a condition called porphyria
• If you suffer from any blood or bleeding disorder.
• If you ever had asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, swelling of the nasal mucosa (nasal polyps), chronic pulmonary diseases, or infections of the respiratory tract
• If you are breast feeding
• If you have angina, blood clots, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or raised triglycerides
• If you have heart problems or if you had a stroke or you think you might be at risk of these conditions (for example, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker)
• If you have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE (inflammatory, auto-immune disorder which causes symptoms such as joint pain, joint inflammation, skin rashes, fever) or any similar condition

Medicines such as Diclofenac may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment; however, short-term use in those with no cardiovascular risk may also present a small increased risk in thrombotic events. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

There is a risk of bleeding or perforation of the stomach and stomach ulcers with the use of Diclofenac. This is higher in the elderly, if you have a history of stomach ulcer, or if you smoke. Increased risk with dose of Diclofenac. If you think that you might be at risk of these conditions, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, & Fertility

• Do not take Diclofenac if you are in the last three months of pregnancy (third trimester)
• Talk to your doctor before taking Diclofenac if you are up to six months pregnant (first and second trimester), think you are pregnant, or plan to get pregnant
• Diclofenac may make it more difficult to become pregnant. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant
• Taking Diclofenac late in pregnancy can cause delayed or prolonged labour and may cause bleeding problems, kidney problems, and problems with the circulation of the blood in newborn babies
• You should avoid Diclofenac while breastfeeding

Driving and using machinery

Diclofenac is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. Very occasionally people have reported feeling dizzy, tired, or sleepy. Problems with eyesight have also been reported. If you are affected in this way, you should not drive or operate machinery.