®Voltarol ampoules 75mg (Diclofenac sodium 75mg/3ml) Geigy

®Voltarol ampoules 75mg (Diclofenac sodium 75mg/3ml) Geigy

Information for Patients
What you need to know about Voltarol ampoules

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start treatment with Voltarol ampoules. It contains important information about your medicine.

What's in your medicine

Voltarol ampoules contain a substance called diclofenac. This is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. Each ampoule contains 75mg of diclofenac sodium in a liquid form. This will be given by injection into your bottom by your doctor or nurse. If you are in hospital, the ampoules contents may be diluted and injected very slowly into a vein through a drip.

The ampoules also contain mannitol, sodium metabisulphite (E223), benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, water

Voltarol ampoules come in packs of 10.

Made by: Ciba-Geigy Limited, Stein, Switzerland.

Product Licence Holder: Ciba-Geigy plc, Hulley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire.

What this medicine is used for

Voltarol ampoules are used to treat a number of painful conditions including:

'flare-ups' of joint or back pain.
attacks of gout.
pain caused by kidney stones.
pain caused by injuries.

They are also used to prevent or treat pain following an operation.

Before starting treatment

Do you have or have you ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer?
Have you had an allergic reaction, skin rash or wheezing after taking aspirin or any other medicine used to treat painful conditions?
Are you allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned in the section called 'What's in your medicine'?

If you are going to receive Voltarol by intravenous injection, you should also answer these additional questions:

Are you taking any other medicines to relieve pain, e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics?
Do you have a history of or suffer from any bleeding disorders?
Are you asthmatic?
Do you have any serious kidney disorders?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, talk to your doctor before you are treated with Voltarol ampoules.

Have you ever had stomach pains or heartburn after taking aspirin or other medicines used to treat painful conditions?
Do you suffer from any bowel disorders, for example, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease?
Do you suffer or have you ever suffered from any heart, kidney or liver disease?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant or breast feeding? If so, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Voltarol ampoules.

Are you taking any of the following:

Anticoagulants (blood thinning tablets like warfarin)?
Lithium or digoxin?
Methotrexate?
Steroid tablets?
Diuretics (water tablets)?
Any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Other special warnings

If you feel dizzy after treatment with Voltarol ampoules do not drive or work machinery until this effect wears off.

Voltarol ampoules are not suitable for children.

Treatment with Voltarol ampoules

Your doctor will decide when and how to treat you with Voltarol ampoules. The usual dose is one or two ampoules each day for up to two days.

The liquid in the ampoule will usually be drawn into a syringe and injected into your bottom (intramuscular injection). If you have had an operation and are in hospital, the ampoule contents may be diluted and injected very slowly into a vein (intravenous infusion).

After treatment with Voltarol ampoules

Usually, this medicine does not cause problems. It can, however, sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people.

If you get any of the following:

Stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn or feeling sick for the first time.
Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, for example, passing black stools.
Skin rash, itching or bruising.
A sudden attack of wheezing or shortness of breath.
Pain, redness or lumps at the injection site.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Persistent sore throat or high temperature.
An unexpected change in the amount of urine produced and/or its appearance.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Other effects which are unusual but which may occur include headache, dizziness or tiredness.

Very rarely, this medicine can have other effects on the nervous system causing, for example, sleeplessness or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

These effects are often mild and may wear off after a few days' treatment. If they are severe or last for more then a few days, tell your doctor Also, if your medicine upsets you in any other way, tell your doctor.

The information in this leaflet applies only to Voltarol ampoules. This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine. It you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.