The name of this medicine is Diclomax Retard. It contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic. Anti-inflammatory analgesics are used to treat a number of painful conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine for other purposes; ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

1. Before taking your medicine, please read this leaflet carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you have any questions or are unsure about anything. Make sure you read section (1) of this leaflet.
2. It is important to take your medicine as directed by your doctor. Look at the label on the pack and section (2) of this leaflet for details.
3. Medicines occasionally cause problems. For more information see the section marked (3) in this leaflet.
4. Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
5. Tell medical staff you are taking this medicine, for example, if you go into hospital or see a dentist or another doctor.

If the answer to any of the following questions is YES, please tell your doctor or pharmacist, as special instructions may be necessary.

• Are you allergic to diclofenac sodium, aspirin or any other medicine used to treat painful conditions affecting the joints and muscles? Allergies may cause symptoms such as sickness, stomach pains, wheezing, heartburn or skin rashes.
• Do you have or have you ever had a stomach ulcer or bleeding?
• Do you suffer from heart, kidney or liver disease?
• Do you suffer from Crohn's disease or any other diseases of the intestine or bowel?
• Do you suffer from asthma?
• Are you taking any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
• Are you pregnant or breast feeding?

• It is important to take your Diclomax Retard regularly, as directed by your doctor. The label will tell you how much to take and how often. If it does not or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or milk. Do not crush or chew the capsule or its contents as this will affect the capsule's special 'slow release' properties.
• If possible take Diclomax Retard 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 one dose in 24 hours.
• If you accidentally take too many capsules contact your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you go into hospital or visit a dentist or another doctor tell them you are taking this medicine.

Like all medicines, Diclomax Retard may occasionally cause side effects in some people.

Normally these effects are mild and rare such as:

• Mild gastric upset - Vertigo

• Headache or dizziness - Drowsiness or tiredness

• Mild skin rashes

If you experience any of the following effects stop taking the capsules and tell your doctor as soon as possible:

• Persistent stomach discomfort or heartburn for the first time.
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools.
• Skin troubles such as rash or itching for the first time.
• Wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Persistent sore throat or high temperature.

If you feel dizzy or drowsy when you start to take Diclomax Retard, do not drive or operate machinery until these effects wear off.

In general inform your doctor about any effects you experience, particularly it they are severe or persistent. Whilst you are taking Diclomax Retard, your doctor may want to give you a check-up from time to time.

This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information in it applies only to DICLOMAX RETARD.

For further information write to: Parke Davis Research Laboratories, Lambert Court, Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, Hants, S05 3ZQ.

Product Licence holder: Parke, Davis & Company, Usk Road, Pontypool, Gwent, U.K.

PL 0018 /0208

Diclomax Retard is a trade mark of Parke Davis.