According to MayoClinic.com, diclofenac epolamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly prescribed to treat pain and relieve symptoms of arthritis. In addition, diclofenac epolamine can relieve inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain. This medication is also beneficial in treating acute migraine attacks. Diclofenac epolamine is effective in treating these conditions because it alters chemical signals related to pain and inflammation. However, diclofenac epolamine has associated side of which a patient should be aware.
Bloody Stools
Diclofenac epolamine may cause blood stools, states Drugs.com. This occurs because diclofenac epolamine, as well as other NSAIDs, can cause stomach irritation. Specifically, diclofenac epolamine reduces the protective lining of the stomach that protects if from stomach acid. When this lining is reduced, stomach acid can damage stomach tissue, which can lead to bleeding in the stomach that moves into the gastrointestinal tract. Blood is broken down into a black, tarry substance that shows up in the patient's stool. A stomach bleed, or ulcer, is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Left untreated, a bleeding stomach ulcer can lead to serious complications, or death.
Chest Pain
MayoClinic.com states that diclofenac epolamine can cause chest pain. This occurs because diclofenac epolamine can shrink, or vasoconstrict, the blood vessels in the heart. If the blood vessels in the heart, or coronary blood vessels shrink too much, a patient may experience chest pain. Specifically, chest pain can radiate into the jaw, arm or back, and is likely worsen with activity. Chest pain is a side effect that should not be taken lightly, because it may be a sign of another serious medical problem. Therefore, if chest pain occurs, a patient should immediately stop taking diclofenac epolamine and seek immediate medical treatment.
Dark Urine
Drugs.com states that diclofenac epolamine may cause a patient to have dark urine. This occurs because diclofenac epolamine may affect the blood flow to the kidneys, which can cause kidney stress, particularly in a patient with a pre-existing kidney problem. In this case, a patient should stop taking this medication and let his doctor know that he is having dark urine. The doctor will likely perform blood tests to check kidney function and prescribe a different medication for pain control. Dark urine may be a sign of other medical problems, thus, the proper assessment and treatment from a physician is necessary.
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