Side Effects of Voltaren
Voltaren is a drug used to manage pain throughout the body that is caused by arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Part of a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Voltaren works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body." Many potentially serious side effects, however, are associated with Voltaren.
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Side Effects - Gastrointestinal
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Drugs.com reports that there are certain gastrointestinal side effects that can be quite serious for those treated with Voltaren. Side effects have included gastrointestinal bleeding, which was only experienced by less than 1% of patients. Colonic strictures, ulcerations, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and constipation are other common side effects. Obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract and colitis are also possible. Alcohol use has been shown to increase the risk of these side effects.
Side Effects - Hepatic/Renal
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Reported hepatic side effects have included increased levels of serum transaminases in up to 2% of patients. In severe cases, death from liver failure has been reported. In these cases, the flow of bile away from the patients' livers had stopped and cells within the liver had died. Hepatitis, jaundice, fatal hepatitis and liver damage are also possible. Liver damage is more likely to occur in older female patients taking the drug for 6 months.
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Side Effects - Renal/Hematologic
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Potential renal side effects include nephrotic syndrome, interstitial nephritis (swelling between kidney tubules), frequent urination, urinated at night and kidney failure. Increased amount of protein in the urine and blood in the urine are also possible. Common hematologic side effects have included anemia, decrease in platelets in the blood, decrease in white blood cell counts, purple spots on the skin, and bruising caused by an increase in bleeding, reports drugs.com.
Side Effects - Cardiovascular/Nervous System
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Cardiovascular side effects are common and can be quite serious. Stroke, heart attack, angina pectoris, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, sudden cardiac death, resuscitated cardiac arrest and increase in blood pressure have all been reported by those taking Voltaren. Drugs.com states that taking Voltaren or generic forms of Voltaren for long periods of time almost doubles the risk of heart attacks. Nervous system side effects include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia and tremors. Aseptic meningitis has also been associated with Voltaren use.
Additional Side Effects
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Further side effects include increase in blood sugar levels, depression, irritability, anxiety, nightmares and psychotic reactions in rare cases. Drugs.com also explains that taste disturbance, reversible hearing loss, blurred vision, dry eyes, night blindness and lazy are also possible. Abnormal levels of nitrogen in the blood is another side effect that has been experienced. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention. See Resources for more information.
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