Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your tablets. It contains important information about your tablets.

Voltarol Dispersible tablets contain a substance called diclofenac. This is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. Each tablet contains 46.5mg of diclofenac. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

cellulose, sodium saccharin, croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycollate, hydrogenated castor oil, talc, silicon dioxide, erythrosine, aluminium oxide, blackcurrant flavour.

Voltarol Dispersible comes in blister packs of 21 tablets.

Made by: Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Horsham, West Sussex.

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

Voltarol Dispersible is used to treat a number of painful conditions affecting the joints and muscles. It is especially suitable for the short term treatment of things like sprains, strains and back pain. Doctors sometimes prescribe these tablets for other purposes; ask your doctor for information.

• 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?

If the answer to either of these questions is YES, do not

take the tablets without talking to your doctor again.

• 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 you start taking Voltarol Dispersible.

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.

• Whilst you are taking these tablets your doctor may want to give you a check-up from time to time.
• If you feel dizzy when you start to take these tablets, do not drive or work machinery until these effects wear off.
• Voltarol Dispersible is mainly used for the short term treatment (up to three months) of muscle and joint pain. If you have been taking these tablets for more than three months, check with your doctor.
• Voltarol Dispersible is not suitable for children.
• These tablets contain erythrosine and may be unsuitable for some people.

It is important to take your tablets at the right time. You

must take them as instructed by your doctor. The usual

dose of Voltarol Dispersible is one tablet taken two or

three times a day.

If you are not sure about the dose, check with your doctor

or pharmacist.

• Drop the tablet into a small glass of water and stir. This will produce a pink, blackcurrant-flavoured liquid. Drink this at once.
• To make sure you get all the medicine, rinse the glass round with a small amount of water and drink this.
• You may find it convenient to take Voltarol Dispersible with food.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before. Do not take more than three tablets in 24 hours.
• If you accidentally take too many Voltarol Dispersible tablets, tell your doctor at once or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.

Usually these tablets do not cause problems. They 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 or itching or bruising.
• A sudden attack of wheezing or shortness of breath.
• 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.

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

Very rarely, these tablets 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 than a few days, tell your doctor. Also, if your tablets upset you in any other way, tell your doctor.

• The expiry date for these tablets is given on the carton. Do not take the tablets after this date.
• Keep your tablets in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. Return any unused tablets to your pharmacist.

REMEMBER: this medicine is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.

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

Date: February 1994 Copyright Ciba-Geigy plc