Voltaren SR (Diclofenac Sodium SR) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever. This class of drugs includes ones like Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) and indomethacin (Indocin). These drugs reduce the amount of prostaglandins in your body, which are chemicals that cause the pain and inflammation. The FDA approved Voltaren in July of 1998.

Voltaren SR is not available over the counter like some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are it requires a doctors prescriptions.

Diclofenac Sodium SR is used to treat the pain and inflammation from conditions such as all kinds of arthritis, soft tissue inflammations due to things like tendinitis and sprains along with ankylosing spondylitis and menstrual cramps.

Voltaren SR should be taken with food. You should take it as prescribed by your doctor. In addition, you should be aware that if you are taking lithium Diclofenac could increase the blood level of the drug, which could lead to toxicity. Diclofenac SR can also lower your blood pressure so if your take blood pressure medications also check your blood pressure a little more frequently than you usually do. Voltaren SR may also interact with certain antibiotics like Gentiamicin causes the blood levels of it to increase which could lead to side effects from the antibiotic. If you are taking any blood thinning medications like Coumadin avoid taking Voltaren SR altogether as it also thins the blood. Do not take the drug if you are pregnant as it can harm the cardiovascular system of the fetus. It is not known if it passes into breast milk or not.

Voltaren SR can cause the following side effects. These can become serious and you should check with your doctor if you experience them. They include stomach pain, cloudy urine, black or bloody stools, decrease in urine output, dizziness, headache, increased bleeding time, swelling, rash, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss and vomiting blood or coffee ground like material. Signs of overdose include blurred vision, color blindness, confusion, depression, trouble breathing, hives, hostility, seizures, sleepiness, change in heartbeat, tightness in your chest, swelling of face, ankles or hands and pale or blue lips, fingernails or skin. If you experience any of these notify your doctor immediately.

If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If it is skip it and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Keep the medication at room temperature and away from children.
It is very important that you keep follow up visits with your doctor so he can monitor how Voltaren XR is working for you. He may need to do tests that check for side effects. This medication can raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke; if you use the medication for a long period of time your risk will increase. It can also cause bleeding in your intestines or stomach, if you have a history of an ulcer, smoke or drink, are over 60 or in poor health.

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