Olfen (Diclofenac Sodium)

Diclofenac sodium, the active ingredient in Olfen, is a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug presented as a 50 mg tablet for oral use. It is employed to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute musculoskeletal injuries in adults.

GNH USA supplies Olfen as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Diclofenac sodium is a NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain in several musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. - Osteoarthritis: helps reduce joint pain and improve mobility. - Rheumatoid arthritis: decreases joint swelling and stiffness. - Acute musculoskeletal injury: alleviates pain and inflammation associated with sprains, strains and soft‑tissue trauma. - Ankylosing spondylitis: lessens spinal pain and stiffness. - Post‑operative pain: provides short‑term relief after minor surgical procedures.

Adverse reactions to diclofenac sodium can range from mild to severe and may involve multiple organ systems.

Common Side Effects: - Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain. - Headache: mild to moderate tension‑type headache. - Dizziness: transient light‑headedness. - Skin rash: mild erythema or pruritus. - Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible increase in transaminases.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. - Hepatotoxicity: significant elevation of liver enzymes or hepatitis. - Renal impairment: acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease. - Cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction or stroke. - Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

When prescribing diclofenac sodium, clinicians should consider patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential complications. - Cardiovascular risk: assess history of heart disease before use. - Gastro‑intestinal risk: avoid in patients with active ulcer disease or severe GI bleeding. - Renal function: monitor kidney parameters in patients with pre‑existing renal impairment. - Hepatic function: check liver enzymes periodically, especially in long‑term therapy. - Concomitant NSAIDs: avoid combining with other non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs. - Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture.

Diclofenac sodium may interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding. - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): heightened gastrointestinal bleeding risk. - ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal protective effects and increase kidney injury risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Diuretics: may potentiate renal function changes. - Lithium: can increase serum lithium levels. - Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity. - Corticosteroids: additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.