Use Of Diclofenac Without A Doctor’s Prescription Might Be Harmful To Your Health

Taking painkillers is the new norm among people. Whether it’s your end-of-the-day headache, post-workout body pain, or minor sprain discomfort, the first thing you do is reach out for a painkiller like Diclofenac.

We all know that drugs have side effects, some of which are evident within a few hours of taking the medication. But very few might know that misusing those drugs can have life-threatening consequences

The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, wishes to draw the attention of the Public to the use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), specifical Diclofenac for pain management.

According to the Board, NSAIDS, as a class, if used at high doses and for long periods, are associated with increased rates of blood clots in the arteries, especially for patients with underlying health conditions such as heart or circulatory disorders or with certain cardiovascular risk factors which might lead to heart attack or stroke.

As much as the use of Diclofenac has several great benefits, the little risk associated with the use should be avoided at all costs.

To mitigate the risks associated with the use of Diclofenac, the Board is notifying you of the following:

1. Use of Diclofenac is not recommended for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke, heart failure, blockages to the blood vessels, heart, or brain, or who had an operation to clear such blockages.
2. If you smoke or have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, your doctor should assess if you can take Diclofenac and its best use.
3. If you are on long-term diclofenac use, you will need to review your treatment to ensure it is still suitable for you.
4. Speak to a health care professional in case you have any questions.