Avoid Diclofenac! - Ministry of health.
The Ministry of Health has warned against self-medicating with pain relievers, particularly Diclofenac.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) on Friday, stated that the painkiller should only be dispensed with a prescription.
"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board wishes to draw the attention of the public to the use of 'Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), specifically Diclofenac for pain management," They stated in their statement.
The drug is commonly used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, especially in the treatment of arthritis.
Patients who take systemic Diclofenac on a regular basis, especially at high doses of 150 mg, are at risk of heart attack or stroke, according to the health department.
Patients having a history of heart attack or stroke, heart failure, vascular obstructions, or who have undergone a surgery to clear or bypass such blockages should no longer take the medicine.
Those who have been taking Diclofenac for a long period will need to have their medication assessed by a healthcare practitioner.
Smokers, as well as those with high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, have been advised to seek medical advice first.
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