Cataflam

Generic Name: diclofenac potassium immediate-release tablets (dye KLOE fen ak poe TASS ee um)
Brand Names: Cataflam

What is Cataflam?

Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain inflammation.

Cataflam is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Cataflam is also used to treat cramping pain in the lower abdomen associated with menstruation.

Cataflam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Cataflam

Cataflam may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use Cataflam just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Learn the signs of RA and how to relieve the pain.

Cataflam may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Cataflam, especially in older adults.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or other pain medicine. Medicines similar to diclofenac are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Before taking Cataflam

Do not use Cataflam just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Cataflam may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.

Cataflam may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Cataflam, especially in older adults.

You should not use Cataflam if you are allergic to diclofenac, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

To make sure you can safely take Cataflam, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• liver or kidney disease,

• asthma;

• polyps in your nose;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• if you smoke.

FDA pregnancy category D. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking Cataflam during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Do not take Cataflam during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. It is not known whether diclofenac potassium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Cataflam. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old without medical advice.

See also: Cataflam pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Cataflam?

Take Cataflam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you switch brands of diclofenac, your dose needs may change. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take.

If you use Cataflam long-term, your liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store Cataflam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Cataflam?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or other pain medicine. Medicines similar to diclofenac are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Cataflam can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

See also: Cataflam and alcohol (in more detail)

Cataflam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cataflam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Cataflam and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• swelling or rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions); 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.

Less serious Cataflam side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation bloating, gas;

• dizziness, headache, nervousness;

• skin itching or rash;

• blurred vision; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Cataflam side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Cataflam?

Ask your doctor before using an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft). Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);

• pronbenecid (Benemid);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate);

• secobarbital (Seconal);

• sertraline (Zoloft);

• sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others);

• teniposide (Vumon);

• zafirlukast (Accolate);

• a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix).

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or voriconazole (Vfend);

• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others;

• cholesterol-lowering medicine such as fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide), fluvastatin (Lescol), or lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor); or

• heart or blood pressure medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Cataflam. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Cataflam.