Description

Voltaren SR 75mg – Side Effects, Uses, Benefits and Precautions

Voltaren SR 75mg contains diclofenac sodium which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medication acts for a long duration, releasing the active ingredient slowly. Doctors prescribe diclofenac to relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and other painful conditions.

Since Voltaren SR 75mg is an NSAID, take it only as your doctor or chemist directs. The prolonged-release tablet must be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew it.

What Is Voltaren SR 75mg?

Voltaren SR 75mg is a special type of diclofenac sodium called sustained or prolonged-release. The “SR” stands for the slow release formula. This means the medicine releases diclofenac slowly, rather than all at once.

Diclofenac works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Doctors may therefore prescribe it for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, back pain, sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis and some pain from injury or minor surgery.

What Is Voltaren SR 75mg Used For?

A doctor may prescribe this medicine when there is a need to treat pain and inflammation. Common medical uses are:

• Arthritis pain and inflammation
• Back-pain
• Sprains, strains
• Tendinitis Bursitis
• Acute gout.
• Certain painful musculoskeletal conditions
• Pain from dental or minor surgical procedures

However, the right treatment depends on the patient’s condition, medical history and other medicines.

How do I take Voltaren SR 75 mg?

Take this medicine only as directed by your health care professional. One example of this is a 75mg prolonged-release tablet of diclofenac. (diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). The official prescribing information for this product states that for adults the recommended dose is one tablet once or twice daily, with a maximum recommended dose of diclofenac for this product of 150mg per day.

Take the tablet with food or after food when advised to do so. This is especially important as diclofenac can irritate the stomach. Most important is to swallow a prolonged-release tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew the medication as this can affect the slow release system.

Who should not take Voltaren SR 75mg?

Not everyone should take Voltaren SR 75mg. People with a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding, certain heart or circulation problems, and certain kidney or liver conditions may need to avoid diclofenac. It is also contraindicated during certain stages of pregnancy.

Also, people with asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, bleeding disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or previous cardiovascular problems should talk to their doctor before treatment.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects can occur with diclofenac as with other medicines. Some people may have indigestion, stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Serious reactions may include gastrointestinal bleeding, severe allergic reactions and cardiovascular problems. Diclofenac and other NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, but this is small and more likely for higher doses or longer treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help right away: chest pain; weakness; trouble breathing; trouble speaking; vomiting blood; black, tarry stools.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Before using Voltaren SR 75mg, tell your doctor or chemist about all the medicines you take. Diclofenac can interact with blood thinners, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, some blood pressure medicines, corticosteroids, SSRIs, other NSAIDs and some antibiotics or antifungal medicines.

So do not take diclofenac with another NSAID unless your doctor or chemist tells you to.

Questions & Answers

**Can I take Voltaren SR 75 mg for Arthritis pain?**

Yes. Diclofenac prolonged-release tablets are used to treat the pain and inflammation of conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can I take Voltaren SR 75mg with food?

No The prolonged-release tablets should be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing may interfere with the slow-release mechanism.

Is Voltaren SR 75mg safe for children?

The 75mg prolonged-release diclofenac product mentioned is not suitable for children.

Can I take Voltaren SR 75mg with other pain killers?

Do not take diclofenac with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Some combinations may increase the risk of side effects.

Final thought

Voltaren SR 75mg is a diclofenac medicine used to treat pain and inflammation in several conditions. It’s important to use it responsibly because it can affect the stomach, kidneys, heart, circulation and other body systems. Take the recommended dose always Take the medicine for the shortest possible time Talk to a healthcare professional about your medical history and other medicines.