Voltaren SR is a sustained released oral tablet consisting of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac. We carry both the brand choice, Voltaren SR, and its generic alternative, diclofenac SR, both available in 75mg and 100mg!

Voltaren SR tablets are taken to treat mild to moderate pain or other symptoms that may occur due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These are both forms of arthritis, which affect the joints and causes tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a protective cushion for the joints, begins to wear away. This usually happens over time with age but can be caused by other factors such as joint injuries, repeated stress on the joint, certain diseases, and genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system – the body’s personal self defense mechanism – “malfunctions” and attacks the lining of the membranes that are located around your joints. This causes them to become thicker which can eventually damage and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. It is not known exactly why this happens, but there are some risks factors such as being female or obese or those who are middle-aged, have a family history, smoke, or have environmental exposures such as exposure to asbestos or silica.

Voltaren SR (diclofenac) is effective at treating certain forms of arthritis because as a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), it is able to reduce the substances in the body that cause the pain and inflammation to occur.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container. Your doctor may need to occasionally change your dose and may need you to have frequent medical tests done while being treated with Voltaren SR.

Do not chew, crush, or break Voltaren SR tablets; ensure you are swallowing this medication whole with a full glass of water.

Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk area of heat and moisture.

Do not use Voltaren SR (diclofenac)

Do not use this product if you had a recent or upcoming heart bypass surgery.

This product should not be used by those who are allergic to diclofenac.

If you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID; do not use this product.

This product is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a smoking addiction, a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, liver or kidney disease, or fluid retention.

Risks

This medication may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. This risk is higher in those who use this drug long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease.

Using this drug in the final 3 months of pregnancy poses risk to the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast feeding while using this medication.

Common side effects of Voltaren SR: diclofenac may include:

indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea, constipation; headache, dizziness, drowsiness; stuffy nose; itching, increased sweating; increased blood pressure; or swelling or pain in your arms or legs

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Voltaren SR: diclofenac may include:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion); swelling or rapid weight gain

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

dangerously high blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, or a seizure.

low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or

severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

What other medications may interact with diclofenac (Voltaren SR)?

Other medication that interact with diclofenac (Voltaren SR) include cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, antifungal medicine, blood thinners, heart or blood pressure medications, other forms of diclofenac, other NSAIDs, and steroid medications. This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with diclofenac (Voltaren SR); consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with your medications.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you next dose is approaching soon, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on medication at your next scheduled dose to make up for a missed dose; this may cause unwanted side effects.

What is the recommended dose for an adult with osteoarthritis?

For the relief of osteoarthritis, an adult should take 100-150mg per day in divided doses; 50mg two or three times per day or 75mg twice per day.

Can children use this medication?

No. This medication is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old.