Diclofenac+codeine

If you feel that you need to take more of Diclofenac+codeine tablets to achieve the same pain relief level, inform your doctor immediately. It is a sign of drug tolerance (you do not respond to the drug in the same way as you did initially). In such cases, the doctor may stop the therapy and prescribe another pain killer. Before taking Diclofenac+codeine, inform your doctor if you have any bowel disorders such as colitis (inflammation of the intestine), been addicted to opioids, alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, previously experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopped taking alcohol or drugs, history of alcoholism or drug abuse, kidney or liver problems, porphyria (inherited blood disorder), enlarged prostate, an underactive thyroid, gallstones, bleeding disorders, asthma, seasonal allergies, long-term respiratory infections or illnesses, angina (chest pain), blood clots, low or high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (a skin disorder), smoking habit and intolerance to some sugars. Diclofenac+codeine increases the risk of heart attack or stroke if high doses are used for prolonged periods. So, use it in the dose and duration as prescribed by the doctor. If you notice chest pain, breathing difficulties, weakness or slurry speech, inform your doctor immediately as it can be a sign of problems with heart or blood vessels. Diclofenac+codeine is an anti-inflammatory and can mask the symptoms of an infection, so consult your doctor if you feel unwell.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Diclofenac+codeine may interact with anticoagulant (warfarin), medications used to treat diabetes, antidepressants (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and lithium), water pills, anticancer agent (methotrexate), medications that suppress the immune system (tacrolimus and ciclosporin), a medicine used to treat urinary tract infections (trimethoprim), quinolone antibiotics, other pain killers (aspirin and ibuprofen), a medication used to terminate the pregnancy (mifepristone), a medicine used to treat heart problems (digoxin), steroids, medications used to treat high blood pressure, a medication used to treat fungal infections (voriconazole), a medication used to treat fits (phenytoin), and medications used to lower cholesterol levels (colestipol and cholestyramine).

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Diclofenac+codeine should not be used in patients with bleeding or ulcer in the stomach, history of stomach or bowel problems with NSAIDs, severe liver, kidney, heart failure, heart attack history or stroke and problems with blood circulation.

• Include more glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, vitamin D and calcium-enriched supplements. Besides this, turmeric and fish oils can help in reducing inflammation in the tissue.
• Please do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase your joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching, low impact aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bike riding and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscles by lifting light weights.
• Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short duration of time. Long-term immobility is harmful in conditions like arthritis.  Use back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of your spine curve to minimize pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can also use a footrest if required.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and quit smoking.

• Do not stop taking Diclofenac+codeine abruptly. It may cause withdrawal reactions such as restlessness, difficulty speaking, agitation, anxiety, palpitations (pounding or racing heart), increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, tremors and sweating. The doctor gradually reduces the dose before completely stopping the medicine.
• Please do not increase the dose or use it frequently without consulting your doctor, leading to addiction.
• It is not recommended to take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and Diclofenac+codeine simultaneously. You should wait for at least 14 days after discontinuing MAOI, before using Diclofenac+codeine.
• Inform your doctor that you are taking Diclofenac+codeine before undergoing any surgery, medical or dental treatment.