Combaren (Diclofenac) is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immediate-release (short-acting) diclofenac (Cataflam) is also used to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. Combaren is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. Combaren is also used sometimes to treat pain caused by gout and painful shoulder, bone pain, cancer pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking diclofenac,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; cyclosporine (Neural, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); and phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ulcers; asthma; high blood pressure; lupus; porphyria; liver, heart, or kidney disease; or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (fluid retention).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diclofenac, call your doctor.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diclofenac.

Combaren may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• upset stomach
• constipation
• gas or bloating
• headache
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• ringing in the ears
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unexplained weight gain
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• itching
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• pale skin
• fever
• confusion
• blurred vision
• changes in color vision

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:

• vomiting
• drowsiness
• loss of consciousness

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.