Diclofenac

[Mhairi54]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone knows how long you can take Diclofenac for safely? I've been taking 150mg (maximum dose) every day for the last 6 months. Thanks.

[earthwitch]

There are a lot of warnings about diclofenac, but I think its a bit like any of the NSAIDs - you have to weigh up the risks vs benefits. I took it for probably at least 2 years, maybe closer to 3 years, at full strength. I stopped because it was affecting my bowel (not my stomach, as I was taking the extended release stuff, so it seemed to pass through my stomach before causing problems). I was also starting to get a mild allergic reaction to NSAIDs as well (though that might have been after I stopped diclofenac and tried another couple of different ones). i do know a couple of people who have taken NSAIDs for in excess of 10 years.

I think if its working for you, and your doctor is happy to keep on prescribing, then what I did was just keep taking it until I noticed adverse effects, then I stopped. Havent found anything as good for my ankylosing spondylitis since, apart from steroids (which I obviously can't take regularly or long term).

Do you actually have RA or spondyloarthritis? Just asking, because DMARDs are normally the better option (more targetted treatment for the disease) for RA, whereas NSAIDs are usually used as the first line treatment for spondyloarthritis .

[Mhairi54 in reply to earthwitch]

At moment have a diagnosis of Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis. Is that the same as Spondyloarthritis?! Still trying to get my head round this whole new world of terminology!! They don't think it's RA as I've not presented in a typical way (Costochondritis and synovitis in one knee). Have review with consultant next week so not sure if he'll keep me on Diclofenac or try something else. Need something to keep on top of pain but have to say I'm so much better than I was a few months ago.

[earthwitch in reply to Mhairi54]

that definitely sounds more like spondyloarthritis than RA, and I guess that would be why you were put on diclofenac rather than a DMARD. good luck with the review. If you have had some relief (even if not full) from the diclofenac than definitely tell your doctor as that will help confirm spondy.

[moomie]

I took this 75mg slow release twice a day for 20 plus years. My G.p changed it a couple of years ago due to the warnings. I was put on Naproxen. To be honest this does not work as well. I started with flares that have not really settled since. My back pain is not as well controlled too.

Incidentally I did not get side effects from the diclofenac.

I would be guided by your medical team.

[rogerj]

I've been on the same dose for 13 years as long as i take my omeprazole to counteract stomach problems I've been fine

[DC56]

I've been on it for 30 years , if it helps use it

[Cagsie]

I was on it for at least 10 years, was great while it lasted but ended up with stomach ulcers. I'm sure you know never take it on an empty stomach. I hope it work well for you xx

[premierscfc]

I was on 150mg Diclofenic for 18 years and was then taken of it after the warnings. I tried countless other anti inflammatory tablets and they never gave me the relief that DF gave. Last year at a medication review I asked if I could restart DF and I was told that as long as I thought the benefits outwayed the problems that I could restart, I've now been back on DF for 18 months and my pain is far better controlled.

[Moomin8]

To be honest- it didn't agree with me- it raised my alt ridiculously high very quickly.

[eastbournelady]

well i have been taking it for about 8 or 9 years !!! since i was diagnosed and drs have only ever added in mtx and tnfs never had anything reduced at all only replaced tnfs.

[Warcho]

I would be cautious as it can cause gastric reflux.only take as needed.You can also take as suppository.less toxic as it bypasses stomach and just as effective.