Caflam 50mg Tablets

Diclofenac potassium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that eases pain and reduces swelling and inflammation. Tablets made with the potassium salt are designed to work quickly.

It may be used for:

• sprains, strains, sports injuries, frozen shoulder and tendon problems
• attacks of gout and low back pain
• osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• pain and swelling after dental or minor surgery
• migraine attacks and painful periods

Take diclofenac potassium exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at the lowest dose for the shortest time needed.

• Take the tablets with or after food.
• Swallow them whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.
• For migraine, it is taken at the first sign of an attack, as directed. It does not prevent migraines.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses together.

Your doctor may also prescribe a stomach-protecting medicine, especially if you are older or have had stomach problems.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick, indigestion or tummy pain
• diarrhoea or wind
• headache, dizziness
• loss of appetite or a mild rash

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• black or bloody poo, or vomit with blood or that looks like coffee grounds
• severe indigestion or tummy pain
• yellow skin or eyes
• breathlessness, tiredness and swollen ankles or legs
• chest pain, or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech or blurred vision (call emergency services)
• swelling of the lips, face or throat, trouble breathing, or a blistering skin rash

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID, or have asthma
• have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or gut
• have heart disease, have had a heart attack or stroke, or have high blood pressure or poor circulation
• have kidney or liver problems
• have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus or a bleeding disorder
• are older, smoke, or have diabetes or high cholesterol
• take blood thinners such as warfarin, steroids, SSRI antidepressants, lithium, methotrexate, water tablets or blood pressure medicines

Do not take it with other NSAID painkillers, including those in some cold remedies.

Store below 30°C in the original package to protect from moisture, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pregnancy: diclofenac is not usually recommended in pregnancy and must not be taken in the last 3 months, as it can harm the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.

Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it.

Heart and stomach: like other NSAIDs, it can slightly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke and can cause stomach bleeding, especially at high doses or with long use.

Alcohol and driving: drinking too much alcohol can irritate your stomach. Do not drive if you feel dizzy, sleepy or have blurred vision.