Uses
Diflunisal is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Diflunisal is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain from other causes. Diflunisal is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Side Effects Of Diflunisal
Diflunisal may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- problems with vision
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more diflunisal until you speak to your doctor.
- upset stomach
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- excessive tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- itching
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
- rash
- blisters
- fever or chills
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- easy bruising or bleeding
- muscle or joint pain
- unexplained weight gain
- back pain
- cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- difficult or painful urination
- frequent urination, especially at night
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or hands
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing
Diflunisal may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking diflunisal:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diflunisal, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: acetaminophen (Tylenol); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quinapril (Accupril, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT, in Twynsta), and valsartan (in Exforge HCT); antacids; cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); diuretics (‘water pills’); indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex); lithium (Lithobid); methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall); and sulindac. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); heart failure; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking diflunisal, call your doctor.
- talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking diflunisal if you are 75 years of age or older. Do not take this medication for a longer period of time or at a higher dose than recommended by your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diflunisal.
- call your doctor if you think you may have a virus, such as chickenpox or the flu. Do not take diflunisal if you have a virus, and do not give diflunisal to a child who has a virus.
Dosage Of Diflunisal
Diflunisal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken with water, milk, or food every 8 to 12 hours. Take diflunisal at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diflunisal exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
It may take several days or longer for you to feel the full benefit of diflunisal. Continue to take diflunisal until your doctor tells you that you should stop taking the medication.
Other
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking diflunisal.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
