Details for: APO-DICLO SR

It is important to take the lowest dose of APO- DICLO and APO-DICLO SR that relieves your pain and/or swelling and for the shortest time possible in order to keep your risk of side effects on the heart and blood vessels as small as possible.

Use of NSAIDS, such as APO-DICLO and/or APO- DICLO SR can result in increased blood pressure and /or worsening of congestive heart failure.

Use of NSAIDs, such as APO-DICLO and APO- DICLO SR, may cause stomach and bowel problems (such as ulceration, perforation, obstruction and bleeding).

Before taking this medication, tell your health care provider if you have any of the following:

• Disease of the heart or blood vessels (also called cardiovascular disease, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, established ischemic heart disease, or peripheral arterial disease), as treatment with APO-DICLO and APO-DICLO SR in these cases is not recommended.
• Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (see above) such as high blood pressure, abnormally high levels of fat (cholesterol, triglycerides) in your blood, diabetes, or if you smoke.
• Diabetes mellitus or on a low sugar diet
• Atherosclerosis
• Poor circulation to your extremities
• Kidney disease or urine problems
• Previous ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or gut
• If you recently had a surgery of the stomach or intestinal tract (intestines, colon, rectum, anus)
• Previous bleeding in the brain
• Bleeding problems
• Family history of allergy to NSAIDs, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, rofecoxib, sulindac, tenoxicam, tiaprofenic acid, tolmetin, or valdecoxib (NOT a complete list)
• Family history of asthma, nasal polyps, long-term swelling of the sinus (chronic sinusitis) or hives

Also, before taking this medication, tell your health care provider if you are planning to get pregnant.

While taking this medication:

• Tell any other doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professional that you see, that you are taking this medication, especially if you are planning to have heart surgery, or surgery of the stomach or intestinal tract;
• Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication because you would be more likely to develop stomach problems;
• Fertility may be decreased. The use of APO- DICLO or APO-DICLO SR is not recommended in women trying to get pregnant. In women who have difficulty conceiving, stopping APO-DICLO or APO-DICLO SR should be considered.
• If you have cardiovascular disease or risks for cardiovascular disease, your doctor will periodically re-evaluate whether you should continue treatment with APO-DICLO or APO- DICLO SR.
• Your doctor will monitor your kidney function, your liver function and your blood count to decide if APO-DICLO or APO-DICLO SR needs to be discontinued or if the dose needs to be changed.

If, at any time while taking APO-DICLO or APO- DICLO SR you experience any signs or symptoms of problems with your heart or blood vessels such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurring of speech, contact your doctor immediately.

Long-term use of APO-DICLO or APO-DICLO SR might increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

APO-DICLO or APO-DICLO SR is NOT recommended for use in patients under 16 years of age since safety and effectiveness have NOT been established.