Cataflam

The active ingredient in Cataflam is diclofenac potassium. Since this drug is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), the mechanism of action is that it works by blocking certain proteins in your body that cause pain and swelling.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cataflam. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cataflam:

• Read all drug instructions and adhere to the label's instructions.
• It is advised to take 50 mg of Cataflam three times a day to relieve discomfort or primary dysmenorrhea. Some people may benefit more from an initial 100 mg dose of Cataflam, followed by 50 mg doses.
• It is advised to take 100–150 mg daily in divided doses, such as 50 mg twice or three times a day, to relieve osteoarthritis.
• The suggested daily dosage for rheumatoid arthritis relief is 150–200 mg, divided into three or four doses of 50 mg per day.

The most common side effects of Cataflam include:

• Nausea
• Headaches.
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ear.
• Fluid retention in the arms and legs.
• Stomach bleeding, ulcers, and stomach pain.
• Constipation
• Diarrhea.
• Anemia.
• Drowsiness or tiredness.
• Heartburn.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cataflam. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats, difficulty breathing, tightness or chest pain, and anxiety are all signs of a heart attack.
• Stroke symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble speaking, trouble walking, and weakness in one side of the body.
• Blood in your vomit, black coffee-ground-looking stool, and persistent abdominal pain are all signs of stomach bleeding.
• Shortness of breath, fatigue, body edema, and abrupt weight gain are signs of heart failure.
• Fever, chills, exhaustion, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or whites of the eyes, loss of appetite, clay-colored feces, and dark urine are signs of liver impairment.
• High potassium and kidney impairment can cause muscle weakness, tingling in the muscles, and abnormalities in urine production.
• Chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing are symptoms of an asthma attack.
• Fever, skin rash, bodily aches, coughing, swelling of the face or throat, skin peeling, and excruciating blisters all over the body are symptoms of an allergic or skin reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of diclofenac. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cataflam, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) or other cardiovascular issues like heart disease.
• Bleeding, perforations (tears), or ulcers in your abdomen.
• Asthma.
• Kidney problems or liver problems/liver disease.
• If you smoke.
• If you have an increased risk of an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or the use of NSAID, or if you are allergic to diclofenac, you should avoid using Cataflam.
• Even if you have no risk factors, diclofenac can raise your chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke. This medication should not be taken right before or right after coronary artery bypass grafting, also known as heart bypass surgery.
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it might make intestinal bleeding more likely.
• Aspirin and other NSAIDs should not be taken unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Before using additional medications for pain, fever, edema, or cold/flu symptoms, consult a physician or doctor.
• Do not use Cataflam just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

• History of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, following aspirin or another NSAID use.
• Using it just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Cataflam typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to start working.

When Cataflam is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Blood pressure or cardiac medication, such as diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers
• Other diclofenac formulations (Voltaren Gel, Pennsaid, Arthrotec, Flector, and Solaraze).
• Blood thinners, such as Jantoven, Coumadin, or Warfarin.
• Additional NSAIDs and corticosteroids, such as meloxicam, aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Prednisone, and indomethacin.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others).
• Methotrexate.
• Lithium.

Different Cataflam formulations are not interchangeable due to differences in absorption.

Consult your healthcare provider before switching. The lowest effective doses may be required for individuals with liver conditions.

Diclofenac Sodium (Delayed-Release - DR) Tablets

Osteoarthritis: 50 mg 2–3 times daily or 75 mg twice daily

Rheumatoid Arthritis: 50 mg 3–4 times daily or 75 mg twice daily

Ankylosing Spondylitis: 25 mg four times daily, with an optional 25 mg at bedtime if needed

Diclofenac Sodium (Extended-Release - ER) Tablets

Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis: 100 mg once daily

Store Cataflam at room temperature and out of the reach of children.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Cataflam.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generic name versions available.

There is no specific way to stop taking Cataflam. However, if you get a severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction that affects several body regions, stop taking Cataflam and get medical help.

NSAIDs are not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially starting in the second trimester or later. If you are or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.