Olfen (Diclofenac Sodium)

Olfen is an NSAID that acts on inflammatory pathways to reduce pain and swelling.

• Osteoarthritis: alleviates joint pain and improves mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: decreases joint inflammation and stiffness.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid relief of pain and inflammation following injury.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: reduces spinal pain and stiffness.
• Post‑operative pain: helps control pain after surgical procedures.

• Diclofenac sodium inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain and fever. This enzymatic blockade lowers peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and diminishes the inflammatory response at the site of tissue injury.

Adverse reactions to diclofenac may range from mild to severe and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient episodes of light‑headedness.
• Skin rash: erythematous or maculopapular eruptions.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, transient increases in hepatic tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Severe hepatic injury or hepatitis.
• Renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

When prescribing Olfen, clinicians should consider patient‑specific risk factors and monitor for adverse events.

• Cardiovascular risk: avoid in patients with recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Gastrointestinal risk: use with caution in those with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Renal function: assess baseline kidney function and adjust use in chronic kidney disease.
• Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes in patients with liver disease.
• Concomitant NSAIDs or anticoagulants: increase bleeding risk; evaluate necessity.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

Diclofenac may interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened risk of serious bleeding.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
• Lithium: diclofenac can raise serum lithium levels, risking toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion, especially in volume‑depleted patients.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced kidney function when combined.
• Methotrexate: diclofenac can decrease clearance, raising methotrexate toxicity.