USES: This medication relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is commonly used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. These tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. For arthritis, it may take one to two weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results in arthritis, this must be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor if you develop: black or bloody stools, edema (swelling of the feet or hands), vision changes. Report these rarely occurring side effects promptly: ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bruising. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers or other stomach problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Diflunisal should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Diflunisal is excreted into breast milk. Though to date there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.