Voltaren Xr belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren Xr is not a cure for arthritis, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease. It works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, Voltaren Xr is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other diseases.

Take Voltaren Xr exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose for the relief of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is typically 100 mg a day. It is usually recommended to take it with food to help prevent stomach upset. It should be taken at the same time each day.

Before taking Voltaren Xr you should talk with your doctor if you have asthma, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, bleeding problems, diabetes, stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, any allergies. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Do not use Voltaren Xr if you are allergic to any ingredient, if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy, have bypass heart surgery, kidney problems.

Get emergency medical help if you have stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding, vomiting, tarry stools, anemia, peptic ulcer, heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia), hives, gas, nausea, dizziness, swelling, headache, itching, unexplained rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, numbness, ringing in the ears, vision or speech changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: angiotensin II receptor blockers (losartan, eposartan, olmesartan), beta blockers (penbutolol, labetalol, atenolol, metoprolol), corticosteroids (cortisone, fludrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone), cyclosporine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, sulfisoxazole, capecitabine, digoxin, diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, triamterene, metolazone), lithium, aspirin, dipyridamole, heparin, lepirudin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, ibuprofen, meloxicam, ketoprofen), thrombolytics (streptokinase, alteplase), tirofiban, warfarin, probenecid, methotrexate, SSRI or SNRI medications (fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are unusual bleeding, decreased urination, seizures, stomach pain, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, troubled breathing, nausea, vomiting.

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.