Diacerein
About Diacerein
Diacerein belongs to a class of medications called anthraquinones used to treat pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness.
Diacerein contains Diacerein which works by inhibiting the action of a protein involved in the inflammation and destruction of cartilage. Thereby, it helps to build and repair the cartilage (the soft connective tissue that protects and covers the ends of long bones at the joints) and reduces pain and swelling in the joints.
Take Diacerein as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Diacerein for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience diarrhea, stomach pain, flatulence (gas), skin rash, or itching. Most of these side effects of Diacerein do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Diacerein or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Diacerein is not recommended for children below 15 years of age and it should be used with caution in elderly patients above 65 years of age. Avoid taking Diacerein if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor before taking Diacerein. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Diacerein as it may increase the risk of liver damage. You are recommended not to take more than the prescribed dose as it may cause a Diacerein overdose and lead to severe diarrhea.
Uses of Diacerein
Medicinal Benefits
Diacerein contains Diacerein that blocks the action of a protein involved in the inflammation and destruction of cartilage. Thereby, it helps to build and repair the cartilage (the soft connective tissue that protects and covers the ends of long bones at the joints) and reduces pain and swelling in the joints.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diacerein
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Flatulence (gas)
- Skin rash
- Itching
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Diacerein or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Diacerein is not recommended for children below 15 years of age and it should be used with caution in elderly patients above 65 years of age. Avoid taking Diacerein if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor before taking Diacerein. If you have glucose or galactose malabsorption syndrome, congenital galactosemia, or lactase deficiency, inform your doctor as Diacerein contains lactose. You are recommended to regularly exercise to strengthen muscles and manage weight. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Diacerein as it may increase the risk of liver damage. You are recommended not to take more than the prescribed dose as it may cause a Diacerein overdose and lead to severe diarrhea.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Diacerein may interact with water tablets (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) and heart-related medicines (digoxin, digitoxin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Diacerein may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Diacerein as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease, glucose or galactose malabsorption syndrome, congenital galactosemia or lactase deficiency, inform your doctor before taking Diacerein.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Diacerein as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeDiacerein is contraindicated in pregnant women. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDiacerein may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, Diacerein is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are alert after taking Diacerein.
Liver
unsafeDiacerein is not recommended for patients with liver disease. However, please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionTake Diacerein with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionDiacerein is not recommended for children below 15 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids such as soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea help in reducing inflammation.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
You are recommended to maintain a time gap of a minimum of 2 hours between taking Diacerein and antacids containing calcium, aluminium, or magnesium salts as taking these medicines at the same time may decrease the absorption of Diacerein.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age, the older you are, the more likely you could get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include a past injury such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligament injuries.
FAQs
Diacerein contains Diacerein that works by inhibiting the action of a protein involved in the inflammation and destruction of cartilage. Thereby, it helps to build and repair the cartilage (the soft connective tissue that protects and covers the ends of long bones at the joints) and reduces pain and swelling in the joints.
Diacerein may cause diarrhoea as a temporary side effect. You are advised to drink plenty of fluids while taking Diacerein to prevent dehydration. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Diacerein is not recommended for patients with liver disease as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, if you have a history of liver diseases or if you are suffering from any liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Diacerein.
You are not recommended to take Diacerein with digoxin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. However, please consult your doctor before taking Diacerein with other medicines.
Diacerein does not cure arthritis. Diacerein is only used to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
