Voltaren

How does Voltaren work?

Voltaren diclofenac stops the production of natural bodily substances that induce pain and aggravates swelling or inflammation. This works to block COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, two enzymes that induce inflammation.

How should I take the product?

Diclofenac ophthalmic is available in liquid solution form that can be administered in drops to the eyes. For reducing swelling or inflammation especially for cataract surgery recovery procedure, the drug is administered four times daily for a period of two weeks from the conclusion of the surgery. In refractive surgery cases, the drug is administered before and after the surgery and as maintenance drug four times daily for three days. The drops are advisably administered at the same times or schedules each day.
Prescription label and physician instructions should be followed strictly on the use of this drug. The container must be shaken thoroughly before administration. Only the prescribed number of drops must be administered, no more no less without doctor’s advice. Some patients may be advised to take diclofenac at the lowest possible doses depending on their bodily conditions and metabolic rates. Like other prescription medicines, be sure to finish your dose completely even if your condition may have improved. Ceasing medication without doctor’s advice may allow the condition to recur.
Should you miss a dose, do not double the upcoming dose to compensate for the missed dose. Simply proceed to go on the next scheduled dose. Otherwise, the effect of the excessive drops may aggravate the inflammation unnecessarily. Keep this medication away from children. If accidentally swallowed, this eye drop solution may be dangerous. Treat it like you would any poisoning case and give the victim milk or other liquids to induce vomiting. Bring the victim to a poisoning clinic or emergency facility for immediate medical attention.

Precautions

Prior to use of diclofenac, you should inform your doctor if you have had any history of allergic reaction to its use or to other NSAIDs like Nevanac nepafenac, Advil or Motrin ibuprofen, Aleve or Naprosyn naproxen, or Tolectin tolmetin. Inform your doctor also of any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or substances you are presently using or have used recently including but not limited to vitamins, minerals, supplements, and herbal products. Any history of diabetis, arthritis, dry eye conditions, cataracts, or bleeding incidences must be relayed to your doctor. Pregnant women must inform their doctors of their condition before using diclofenac. Even those who are breast-feeding must likewise inform their doctors. The wearing of contact lenses may cause unwanted irritation and your doctor may advice you not to wear those lenses while on diclofenac medication.

Side effects

Like other medications, it is highly probable that your use of diclofenac eye drops may induce varying degrees of side effects from the mild to the severe and bothersome. Watch out for burning sensations in the eyes, unusual itchiness in the eyes, upset stomach or stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, insomnia or difficulties in sleeping, headaches or dizzy spells, fever and chill bouts, and even runny or stuffed nose. More especially, watch out for more serious side effects that may include facial or eye swelling, red eyes, unusual pain in the eyes after administration, unusual sensitivity to light, vision impairment, and eye discharges.
At the onset, depending on the side effects’ persistence and your feeling that may begin to be bothersome, seek medical attention as to the unusual side effects attributable to the use of this medication.

What should I avoid while taking diclofenac Voltaren?

Avoid using contact lenses while being treated with Voltaren. Take caution in the use of diclofenac or any other NSAID if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
No special instructions or restrictions on diets are indicated in the use of diclofenac Voltaren. If your doctor has no special instructions, you may continue on with your regular dietary regimen.

Drug interactions

As Voltaren may cause varied reactions to different medications and substances, take note of the following: anticoagulants or blood thinners like Coumadin warfarin, NSAIDs including aspirin and ibuprofen, corticosteroid eye drops like Maxidex dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, loteprednol Lotemax, medrysone, prednisolone, and rimexolone. Make sure your doctor knows of these as your doctor will be in the best position to advice an increase or decrease of doses according to your condition level and reaction to these substances and to Voltaren.