We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Effective Is Diclofenac for Arthritis?

By T. Carrier
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,959
References
Share

Arthritis results when the joints become inflamed and painful. Many drugs are purported to treat this condition, including diclofenac. This drug appears to be beneficial for many arthritis sufferers, as it hinders production of inflammatory substances in the body. While using diclofenac for arthritis is generally safe and has received backing by major organizations, it can cause potentially dangerous problems in some individuals, including heart troubles or bleeding in the digestive system. Before taking this or any medication, individuals should consult a physician.

Diclofenac helps arthritis by blocking cyclooxygenase, which creates inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. The prostaglandins induce inflammation and subsequent pain and fever. Some other pain medications operate in a similar manner, including ibuprofen and naproxen. Because diclofenac and these other drugs do not have steroid components, they are generally not susceptible to some of the drawbacks associated with steroid drugs, such as narcotic, sleep-inducing properties.

Since it works to reduce the painful enlargement of body tissues that constitutes inflammation, diclofenac is categorized as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In addition to arthritis, uses of diclofenac include the treatment of other inflammatory diseases like migraine headaches and spondylitis. Most NSAIDs have been approved by official medical organizations in various regions. The United Stated Federal Drug Administration gave diclofenac its seal of approval in 1998. This means that the drug has successfully passed the rigorous scientific testing and trials required for official approval.

The side effects of using diclofenac for arthritis may be adverse for some patients, as can interactions of diclofenac with other drugs. The drug sometimes produces harmful actions in the digestive and cardiac systems, particularly in elderly individuals or individuals with pre-existing heart problems. Heart attack, stroke, and stomach or intestinal bleeding constitute the most prominent dangers of taking this drug. Any blood in stools or coughing particles or any chest pains should be followed by immediate medical attention. In addition, other pain, allergy, or cold medications may adversely interact with the drug.

Some precautions can enhance the effectiveness of diclofenac for arthritis. For one, the recommended diclofenac dosage should be respected, which is typically around 100 to 200 milligrams a day. When the drug is taken, ingestion with food can help control potential nausea. In order to keep this medication fresh and fully functional, it should be stored in a moisture-free, relatively cool environment. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (about 29 degrees Celsius) can have a negative effect on the drug's viability.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-effective-is-diclofenac-for-arthritis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.