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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Voltarin After Knee Replacements. Severe Stomach Cramps, Distended Stomach Cramps. Side Effects?

I had bilateral knee replacements 9/11/12 and a hip replacement 2/21/13.
I have been taking voltarin since December, 2013. Three weeks ago I had a horrible virus, projectile vomiting and explosive diarrhea. I had trouble shaking it and the MD gave me two drugs, one to put under my tongue and the other for stomach issues. It resolved.
I am a 61 year old female. Two days ago I started having horrible stomach cramps after taking my evening dosage of Voltarin. It continued until the next day. My stomach is distended and last night I felt really uncomfortable, not eating, etc. I went to sleep.

I discontinued taking the voltarin as I researched and it said this could be a side effect. I also have Barretts esophageal erosion and have been taking 40 mg day. How long do I wait until I attribute these reactions to the Voltarin?
Thanks,
posted on Wed, 17 Apr 2013
Twitter Thu, 18 Apr 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 18 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic reducing pain in certain conditions.

Gastrointestinal complaints are most often noted. The development of ulceration and/or bleeding requires immediate termination of treatment with diclofenac. Most patients receive an ulcer-protective drug as prophylaxis during long-term treatment (misoprostol, ranitidine 150 mg at bedtime or omeprazole 20 mg at bedtime).

so it is a very difficult decision to give voltaren to someone with Barretts esophagus.I would advise you to consult your doctor,may be the time has come to stop voltaren and substitute it with more gentle pain medication.

Thanks.

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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Saloni Shah's  Response
Voltarin is non steroidal anti inflm which can cause severe gastric inflammation especially with background history of Barrett's oesophagitis - you are more likely to have NSAID related gastric side effects
Voltarin should be stopped immediately.
Also given the fact that you had gastroenteritis recently - you gut lining has become very delicate and any irritant will cause upset.
You must consult a Dr who needs to examine your abdomen & rule out possibility of ulcer / rupture & if that is the case surgeons needs to intervene.
Hope this helps
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Taking Voltarin After Knee Replacements. Severe Stomach Cramps, Distended Stomach Cramps. Side Effects?

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic reducing pain in certain conditions. Gastrointestinal complaints are most often noted. The development of ulceration and/or bleeding requires immediate termination of treatment with diclofenac. Most patients receive an ulcer-protective drug as prophylaxis during long-term treatment (misoprostol, ranitidine 150 mg at bedtime or omeprazole 20 mg at bedtime). so it is a very difficult decision to give voltaren to someone with Barretts esophagus.I would advise you to consult your doctor,may be the time has come to stop voltaren and substitute it with more gentle pain medication. Thanks.