


Ask a doctor about a prescription for Dicloberl retard
100 mg, prolonged-release hard capsules
Diclofenac sodium
Dicloberl retard is a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicine (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID).
Use
Dicloberl retard is used to treat symptomatic pain and inflammation in the following indications:
Due to the delayed release of the active substance from Dicloberl retard, Dicloberl retard is not suitable for the treatment of conditions that require immediate therapeutic effect.
If there is no improvement or the patient feels worse, they should consult a doctor.
The following cases require special caution when taking Dicloberl retard and the medicine should only be used in a specific way (e.g., with longer intervals between doses or with smaller doses under medical supervision). You should ask your doctor about this. This also applies to situations that have occurred in the past.
Before starting treatment with Dicloberl retard, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
General information
You should avoid taking Dicloberl retard and other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors, due to the lack of evidence of better therapeutic effect and the possibility of more frequent or severe side effects.
Taking the medicine in the smallest effective dose for the shortest necessary period to alleviate symptoms may reduce the risk of side effects (see section 3 "How to use Dicloberl retard").
Gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulcer, and perforation
There have been reports of gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulcer, and perforation with fatal outcomes in patients taking all NSAIDs, occurring at different times during treatment, with and without warning signs or previous severe adverse reactions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulcer, and perforation increases with the dose of NSAIDs and is higher in patients with a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers, especially if complicated by bleeding or perforation, and in the elderly. In such patients, treatment should be started and continued with the lowest available dose.
For such patients and patients who require concomitant use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid or other medicines that may increase the risk of adverse reactions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, concomitant use of medicines with a protective effect on the gastric mucosa (e.g., misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered.
Patients who have experienced adverse reactions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, especially the elderly, should report all abnormal abdominal symptoms (especially gastrointestinal bleeding), especially at the beginning of treatment.
Care should be taken when taking medicines that may increase the risk of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, such as systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulants, such as warfarin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression, or antiplatelet agents, such as acetylsalicylic acid (see section 2 "Dicloberl retard and other medicines").
In case of gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric ulcer during treatment with Dicloberl retard, the medicine should be discontinued. The patient should be instructed to discontinue the medicine and consult a doctor in case of sudden abdominal pain, black stools, or bloody vomiting.
NSAIDs should be used with caution and under close medical supervision in patients with symptoms indicating gastrointestinal disease, in patients who have experienced symptoms of gastric or duodenal ulcers, bleeding, or perforations, and in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), as they may experience exacerbation of these diseases (see section 4 "Possible side effects").
Before using Dicloberl retard, you should tell your doctor if you have recently undergone or are scheduled to undergo stomach or gastrointestinal surgery, as Dicloberl retard may sometimes cause impaired wound healing in the intestines after surgery.
Effect on the cardiovascular system
Taking medicines like Dicloberl retard may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack ("myocardial infarction") or stroke.
Before taking Dicloberl retard, you should inform your doctor
Taking the medicine in the smallest effective dose for the shortest necessary period to alleviate symptoms reduces the risk of side effects.
In case of heart disease or a history of stroke, you should discuss the treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.
Skin reactions
Very rarely, severe skin reactions with redness and blisters have been reported in association with the use of NSAIDs, some of which were fatal (exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis/Lyell's syndrome, see section 4 "Possible side effects"). It appears that the greatest risk of these reactions occurs at the beginning of treatment: in most cases, the onset of such a reaction occurs during the first month of treatment.
In case of the first signs of skin rash, mucosal lesions (e.g., in the mouth or nose), or other symptoms of hypersensitivity, Dicloberl retard should be discontinued immediately and a doctor consulted.
Effect on the liver
Before deciding to start treatment with diclofenac in patients with liver function disorders, caution should be exercised (consult a doctor or pharmacist), as they may experience worsening of the disease. Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) containing diclofenac, the activity of one or more liver enzymes may increase. If diclofenac is to be used for a long time or repeatedly, it is recommended as a precautionary measure to regularly monitor liver function parameters. Dicloberl retard should be discontinued immediately in case of clinical symptoms of liver failure.
Hepatitis may occur without warning signs during diclofenac treatment.
Care should be taken when using Dicloberl retard in patients with porphyria (a blood disorder), as the medicine may exacerbate the disease.
Effect on the kidneys
Due to reports of fluid retention and edema associated with NSAID treatment, including diclofenac, special care should be taken in patients with renal function disorders, a history of hypertension, the elderly, patients taking diuretics or medicines that significantly affect kidney function, and patients with significantly reduced extracellular fluid volume for any reason, e.g., before or after major surgery. In these cases, as a precautionary measure, kidney function should be monitored after diclofenac administration.
Discontinuation of treatment usually leads to a return to the pre-treatment state.
Other
Treatment with Dicloberl retard requires special medical supervision if:
Rarely, severe, acute hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic shock) may occur. After the first symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction to Dicloberl retard, the medicine should be discontinued. Medical personnel will initiate appropriate symptomatic treatment.
Diclofenac may periodically inhibit platelet aggregation. Therefore, patients with coagulation disorders should be closely monitored.
Like other NSAIDs, Dicloberl retard may mask the signs of infection. In case of signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, overheating, pain, fever) or their worsening during treatment with Dicloberl retard, the patient should immediately consult a doctor.
If the patient is taking medicines that affect blood clotting or lower blood sugar levels, it is recommended to monitor clotting parameters or blood sugar levels as a precautionary measure.
During long-term use of Dicloberl retard, regular monitoring of liver function parameters, kidney function, and blood morphology is required.
The patient should inform their doctor or dentist about taking Dicloberl retard before surgical procedures.
If painkillers are used for a long time, headaches may occur, which should not be treated by increasing the dose of these medicines. The patient should consult a doctor if they experience frequent headaches despite taking Dicloberl retard.
Chronic use of painkillers, especially combinations of several active substances with analgesic effects, may cause irreversible kidney damage, associated with the risk of kidney failure (analgesic nephropathy).
Dicloberl retard should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age (see section 2 "When not to use Dicloberl retard").
Elderly patients
Due to the possibility of side effects in elderly patients, they should be monitored closely. Caution is recommended in elderly patients with concomitant diseases. In particular, in frail elderly patients or those with low body weight, the use of the smallest effective dose is recommended. The frequency of side effects during NSAID treatment, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforations, is higher in the elderly. These gastrointestinal reactions usually have more serious consequences in the elderly and may lead to death.
The patient should tell their doctor about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take.
Other NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) and corticosteroids
Concomitant use of Dicloberl retard with other anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines from the NSAID group or corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory or hormone replacement therapy medicines) increases the risk of gastric or duodenal ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diclofenac should not be taken with other NSAIDs.
Digoxin, phenytoin, and lithium
Concomitant use of Dicloberl retard with digoxin (a medicine used to treat heart rhythm disorders), phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epileptic seizures), or lithium (a medicine used to treat mental disorders) may increase the levels of these medicines in the blood. Monitoring of lithium levels in the blood is necessary. Monitoring of digoxin and phenytoin levels in the serum is recommended.
Diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II antagonists
Dicloberl retard may reduce the effect of diuretics and blood pressure-lowering medicines (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II antagonists). Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored periodically.
Dicloberl retard may reduce the effect of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists (medicines used to treat heart diseases and lower blood pressure). Concomitant use of these medicines with Dicloberl retard may increase the risk of kidney function disorders. Patients should be properly hydrated, and kidney function should be monitored periodically after starting treatment and at appropriate intervals.
Concomitant use of Dicloberl retard with potassium-sparing diuretics (some diuretics) may lead to an increase in potassium levels in the blood. Therefore, regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Certain antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.
Methotrexate
Taking Dicloberl retard within 24 hours before or after methotrexate administration (a medicine used to treat inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer) may increase methotrexate levels in the blood and increase side effects.
Cyclosporin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may increase the toxic effect of cyclosporin on the kidneys (a medicine used to prevent transplant rejection and treat rheumatic diseases). The patient should take a lower dose of diclofenac.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medicines (used to prevent blood clotting), such as warfarin. More frequent medical check-ups may be necessary.
Probenecid
Medicines containing probenecid (medicines used to treat gout) may slow down the excretion of diclofenac. This may lead to an increase in side effects.
Antidiabetic medicines
During treatment with medicines that lower blood sugar levels (antidiabetic medicines), there have been isolated reports of the effect of diclofenac on blood sugar levels, which required adjustment of the antidiabetic medicine dose. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, blood sugar levels should be monitored at the same times.
Quinolone antibacterials
Quinolones (a type of antibiotic) may cause seizures during concomitant use with NSAIDs.
Cholestyramine and colestipol
These substances (medicines used to lower blood lipid levels) may slow down or reduce the absorption of diclofenac. Therefore, it is recommended to take Dicloberl retard at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking cholestyramine or colestipol.
Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors
Voriconazole (a medicine used to treat severe fungal infections) and sulfinpyrazone (a medicine used to treat gout) may increase diclofenac levels in the blood when used concomitantly. This may lead to the accumulation of diclofenac in the body and increase its side effects.
Tenofovir
Taking tenofovir (a medicine used to treat hepatitis B and prevent and treat HIV/AIDS) at the same time as NSAIDs (such as diclofenac) may increase the levels of urea and creatinine (kidney function parameters) in the blood. Therefore, kidney function should be monitored to check for possible increases in these parameters.
Deferasirox
Taking deferasirox (a medicine used in patients undergoing multiple blood transfusions due to various types of anemia) at the same time as NSAIDs (such as diclofenac) may increase the risk of adverse reactions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the doctor should closely monitor patients taking deferasirox with NSAIDs.
Mifepristone
Used to terminate pregnancy. NSAIDs should not be taken for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration due to the theoretical risk that prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors may alter the effectiveness of mifepristone.
Pemetrexed
Concomitant use of pemetrexed and NSAIDs may increase the effect of pemetrexed, so special care should be taken when administering high doses of NSAIDs.
Alcohol should not be consumed during treatment with Dicloberl retard.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Pregnancy
The doctor should be informed if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment with Dicloberl retard. Dicloberl retard may be used during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy only after consulting a doctor.
Dicloberl retard should not be taken if the patient is in the last three months of pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn child or cause complications during delivery. Dicloberl retard may cause kidney and heart disorders in the unborn child. It may also increase the risk of bleeding in the mother and child and cause delayed or prolonged labor. During the first six months of pregnancy, Dicloberl retard should not be used unless the doctor considers it absolutely necessary. If treatment is necessary during this period or when trying to conceive, the smallest possible dose should be used for the shortest possible time. From the 20th week of pregnancy, Dicloberl retard, if taken for more than a few days, may cause kidney disorders in the unborn child, which may lead to a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the child (oligohydramnios) or narrowing of the blood vessels (ductus arteriosus) in the child's heart. If treatment is necessary for a longer period, the doctor may recommend additional monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts. To avoid side effects in the infant, diclofenac should not be used during breastfeeding.
Fertility
Like all medicines that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, Dicloberl retard may make it more difficult to become pregnant. If the patient plans to become pregnant or is having trouble becoming pregnant, they should inform their doctor.
When taking high doses of Dicloberl retard, side effects affecting the central nervous system, such as fatigue and dizziness, may occur, which may impair the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery. This applies especially when the medicine is taken with alcohol. The patient may have impaired ability to react quickly and appropriately to unexpected and sudden events. If the above-mentioned symptoms occur, the patient should not drive vehicles or operate machinery. The patient should not work without proper support for their feet.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to certain sugars, they should consult a doctor before taking the medicine.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which means it is considered "sodium-free".
This medicine should always be used as directed by the doctor. In case of doubts, the patient should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Diclofenac is dosed depending on the severity of the disease. The recommended daily dose for adults is 50-150 mg of diclofenac sodium.
Adults: 1 prolonged-release hard capsule per day (corresponding to 100 mg of diclofenac sodium).
The Dicloberl retard capsule should be swallowed whole, with a large amount of liquid. In patients with sensitive stomachs, it is recommended to take Dicloberl retard during meals.
The doctor will decide on the duration of treatment.
In rheumatic diseases, long-term use of Dicloberl retard may be necessary.
Taking the medicine in the smallest effective dose for the shortest necessary period to alleviate symptoms reduces the risk of side effects (see "Warnings and precautions").
If the patient feels that the effect of Dicloberl retard is too strong or too weak, they should consult a doctor.
Dicloberl retard should be used as directed by the doctor or according to the dosage information in the leaflet. If the patient feels that the analgesic effect of the medicine is insufficient, they should not increase the dose of the medicine but should consult a doctor.
There are no characteristic clinical symptoms resulting from diclofenac overdose.
Overdose symptoms may include central nervous system disorders, such as headache, dizziness, feeling of emptiness in the head, agitation, irritability, or drowsiness, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, kidney or liver function disorders may occur, as well as a sudden decrease in blood pressure, breathing difficulties (respiratory depression), and blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes (cyanosis).
There is no specific antidote.
In case of suspected overdose, the patient should inform their doctor. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, the doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment.
A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.
In case of doubts about using this medicine, the patient should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Dicloberl retard can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects can be serious. If the patient experiences any of the following side effects, they should discuss them with their doctor, who will decide on further action.
The occurrence of the following side effects depends mainly on the dose used and varies individually.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disorders. Gastric or duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers) may occur, as well as perforation or gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be fatal, especially in the elderly (see section 2 "Warnings and precautions"). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain, black stools, bloody vomiting, gastric mucosal inflammation, oral mucosal inflammation, worsening of ulcerative colitis, and worsening of Crohn's disease have been reported after taking the medicine (see section 2 "Warnings and precautions").
The patient should tell their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
There have been reports of edema (fluid retention), high blood pressure, and heart failure associated with NSAID treatment.
Taking medicines like Dicloberl retard may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis, e.g., heart attack or stroke (see section 2 "When not to use Dicloberl retard" and "Warnings and precautions").
Frequent:may affect up to 1 in 10 patients
Uncommon:may affect up to 1 in 100 patients
Rare:may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients
Very rare:may affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients
Frequency not known:frequency cannot be estimated from available data
Follow the instructions above for some side effects!
If side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in the leaflet, the patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Adverse Reaction Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl.
By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children.
Dicloberl retard should not be used after the expiry date stated on the packaging.
The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.
Store at a temperature below 25°C.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
The active substance of the medicine is diclofenac sodium.
Each prolonged-release hard capsule contains 100 mg of diclofenac sodium.
The other ingredients are sucrose, cornstarch, shellac, talc, ammonium methacrylate copolymer (type A) (Eudragit RL PO), sodium hydroxide, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171).
White gelatin capsules containing white to slightly yellow granules, packaged in PP-COC-PP/Al blisters, in a cardboard box.
The packaging contains 20 prolonged-release hard capsules.
For more detailed information, the patient should contact the marketing authorization holder or the parallel importer.
BERLIN-CHEMIE AG
Glienicker Weg 125
12489 Berlin, Germany
BERLIN-CHEMIE AG
Glienicker Weg 125
12489 Berlin, Germany
InPharm Sp. z o.o.
ul. Strumykowa 28/11
03-138 Warsaw
InPharm Sp. z o.o. Services sp. k.
ul. Chełmżyńska 249
04-458 Warsaw
Marketing authorization number in Latvia, the country of export:97-0034
[Information about the trademark]
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