Diclofenac sodium is occasionally associated with side effects. If the doctor has prescribed the use of this medication it is because they have deemed that its benefit to you is greater than the possibility of adverse effects. The most common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, and dizziness. Tell your doctor if any of these are severe or don’t go away.
Serious side effects are unlikely but can occur. Get immediate medical attention if you experience any hearing changes (such as ringing in your ears), mood changes, difficulty or pain swallowing, symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling in your hands/feet/ankles, unusual tiredness, or unexplained weight gain), signs of kidney problems (such as changes to the amount of urine you produce), an unexplained stiff neck, signs of liver disease (dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or yellowing of your eyes/skin) or any symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as rash, hives, itching, swelling - particularly of the face, tongue, or throat - or trouble breathing or swallowing).
Diclofenac sodium may not be right for everyone. For more information on special precautions and possible adverse effects speak to your doctor.
WARNING: The use of NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. They may also increase the risk of adverse gastrointestinal events such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse reactions associated with diclofenac sodium, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.