Dicerin Capsules 50mg Capsules

Diacerein is used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) of the hip or knee, such as pain and stiffness. It belongs to a group of medicines called anthraquinones.

It works by blocking a protein called interleukin-1 beta, which is involved in joint inflammation and the breakdown of cartilage.

Diacerein works slowly. Benefits usually appear after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use, so your doctor may suggest a painkiller for the first few weeks. It is not recommended for a fast-worsening type of hip osteoarthritis.

Take diacerein exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Doctors usually start with a lower dose for the first few weeks to reduce the chance of diarrhoea.

• Take it with food, such as with breakfast and dinner.
• Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open them.
• Keep taking it regularly; it needs time to work.
• If you forget a dose, skip it and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.
• Do not take laxatives while using this medicine.

Common side effects include:

• diarrhoea or loose stools (very common)
• tummy pain or wind
• going to the toilet more often
• itching or rash
• darker or strongly coloured urine (usually harmless)

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

• watery diarrhoea that does not stop, as it can cause dehydration and low potassium
• yellow skin or eyes, confusion, itching all over or tummy pain, which can be signs of liver problems

Do not take diacerein if you have or have ever had liver disease, or if you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are aged 65 or over (it is not recommended)
• have kidney disease
• are allergic to diacerein or similar medicines
• cannot tolerate some sugars (capsules may contain lactose)
• take antacids containing magnesium, aluminium or calcium, as these can reduce how well it is absorbed

Your doctor may arrange blood tests to check your liver.

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

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: diacerein is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding.

Children: it should not be given to children or teenagers.

Alcohol: keep alcohol to a minimum, as it can add to the risk of liver damage.

Regulator advice: after a European safety review, diacerein use was limited to hip and knee osteoarthritis, and treatment should be started by a doctor experienced in treating it.