Diclofenac Sodium Viatris (formerly Fenac) (Diclofenac Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Diclofenac Sodium Viatris (formerly Fenac) Used For?
Diclofenac Sodium Viatris belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines work by relieving pain and reducing inflammation (swelling and redness).
Primary Uses
This medication treats symptoms of different types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, other painful conditions where swelling is a problem such as back pain, rheumatism, muscle strains, sprains and tendonitis (like tennis elbow), menstrual cramps (period pain), and pain relief in children after surgery.
How It Works
While Diclofenac Sodium Viatris can relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your underlying condition. It works by reducing the substances in your body that cause pain and swelling.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Diclofenac Sodium Viatris is addictive.
How to Take Diclofenac Sodium Viatris (formerly Fenac)
Take tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s recommended to take them before meals or on an empty stomach for faster action, but you can take them with food if they upset your stomach.
Dosage Instructions
For arthritis: usual starting dose is 75-150mg daily, which may be reduced to 75-100mg daily after initial treatment. For menstrual cramps: start with 50-100mg daily when cramps begin, continue for a few days until pain stops (maximum 3 days), can increase to maximum 200mg daily if needed. Tablets are usually taken 2-3 times daily. Swallow whole with water – do not crush or chew as this destroys the special coating that prevents stomach irritation.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, indigestion
- Heartburn or chest pain
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache
- Drowsiness, difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability)
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Unusual weight gain or swelling
- Skin rashes or sun sensitivity
- Vision problems
- Hair loss or thinning
- Ringing in ears
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black stools, bloody diarrhea
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problems)
- Persistent flu-like symptoms with fever, chills, unusual bleeding
- Serious skin reactions with blistering and peeling
- Signs of brain effects (severe headache, stiff neck, numbness, seizures)
- Kidney problems (changes in urination, blood in urine)
- Heart problems (chest pain, breathing difficulties, leg swelling)
- Red or purple skin (blood vessel inflammation)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where you should not take this medication or need special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Diclofenac Sodium Viatris (formerly Fenac)
Do not take if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs. Do not take if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, bleeding from stomach or bowel, kidney or liver problems, severe heart failure, or have had heart bypass surgery. Avoid during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, past history of ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, bowel diseases, bleeding disorders, asthma, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, or if you’re dehydrated or planning surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during first 6 months of pregnancy except on doctor’s advice. Must not be used during last 3 months of pregnancy as it may affect your baby and delay labor. May reduce fertility. Breastfeeding is not recommended as the medication passes into breast milk.
Cardiovascular Risk: If you have heart disease or significant risk factors, you must not exceed 100mg per day if treated for more than 4 weeks.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Diclofenac Sodium Viatris. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Pain Relief Alternative: If you need something for headache or fever while taking this medication, paracetamol is recommended instead of other pain relievers.
- Other anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin, salicylates, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Heart medications (digoxin)
- Depression medications (lithium, SSRIs)
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers)
- Steroids (prednisone, cortisone)
- Diabetes medications (except insulin)
- Methotrexate
- Immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
- Antibiotics (trimethoprim, quinolones, rifampicin)
- Anti-seizure medications (phenytoin)
- Antifungal medications (voriconazole)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness as this medication can affect your ability to function safely.
Alcohol
The source does not specifically mention alcohol interactions, but consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you. It may cause dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation, or blurred vision in some people. If these occur, do not drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills as heat and dampness can damage the medication. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has taken too much Diclofenac Sodium Viatris, immediately call your doctor, Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach or bowel bleeding, diarrhea, dizziness, ringing in ears, or seizures. You may need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
For arthritis, it usually begins to work within a few hours, but it may take several weeks before you feel the full effects. For period pain, it works quickly when taken as soon as cramps begin.
It’s recommended to take tablets before meals or on an empty stomach for faster action. However, if they upset your stomach, you can take them with food or immediately after food.
No, there is no evidence that Diclofenac Sodium Viatris is addictive.
If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Elderly patients may need smaller doses and should take the minimum number of tablets that provides symptom relief. They may be more sensitive to the effects and should report any side effects promptly to their doctor.
No, swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew them as this destroys the special coating that helps prevent stomach irritation.
Take it only for as long as your doctor recommends. It’s important to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to minimize cardiovascular side effects.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.