DIFLUNISAL

Drug Name: DIFLUNISAL

DIFLUNISAL DESCRIPTION:
DIFLUNISAL- ORAL (dye-FLEW-niss-all)

COMMON DIFLUNISAL BRAND NAME(S):
Dolobid

DIFLUNISAL 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) or vision changes. DIFLUNISAL may rarely cause ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, dark urine, yellowing eyes or easy bruising. Report these symptoms promptly. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DIFLUNISAL:
DIFLUNISAL: 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.

DIFLUNISAL USES:
DIFLUNISAL relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is commonly used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.

DIFLUNISAL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking diflunisal, tell your doctor your medical history especially of bleeding problems; liver, kidney or heart disease; high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers or other stomach problems and of any allergies you may have. 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. DIFLUNISAL 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.

DIFLUNISAL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you may use, especially "blood thinners" (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin, heparins, other NSAIDs)), antacids (regular use), cyclosporine, hydrochlorothiazide (a "water pill") and methotrexate. Do not take acetaminophen, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen) or aspirin without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Check the labels of all your medications carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you are uncertain your other medicines contain these drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DIFLUNISAL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, ringing in the ears, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, sweating, stupor, and coma.

DIFLUNISAL NOTES:
Do not share DIFLUNISAL with others.

MISSED DIFLUNISAL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DIFLUNISAL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.