Catafen 50mg Tablets

Diclofenac reduces pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It may be used for:

• arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• attacks of gout
• back pain, sprains, strains and other muscle or joint injuries
• pain after dental work or minor surgery
• migraine and painful periods (some fast-acting products)

It comes as tablets, capsules, suppositories, gels, plasters and patches. Different products release the medicine in different ways and are not interchangeable.

Use diclofenac exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at the lowest dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms.

• Take tablets or capsules with or after food or milk to protect your stomach.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush, break or chew them, especially slow-release or gastro-resistant tablets.
• For gel, rub a small amount gently into the painful area and wash your hands afterwards.
• 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.

If you need it for a long time, your doctor may also prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach.

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.

Keep it in the original pack at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach and sight 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.