Diflunisal

Conditions Treated

Diflunisal is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Diflunisal is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain from other causes. Diflunisal is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Diflunisal may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• headache
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• problems with vision

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more diflunisal until you speak to your doctor.

• upset stomach
• excessive tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• itching
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• blisters
• fever or chills
• pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• easy bruising or bleeding
• muscle or joint pain
• unexplained weight gain
• back pain
• cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• difficult or painful urination
• frequent urination, especially at night
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Diflunisal may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Diflunisal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken with water, milk, or food every 8 to 12 hours Take diflunisal at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diflunisal exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. It may take several days or longer for you to feel the full benefit of diflunisal. Continue to take diflunisal until your doctor tells you that you should stop taking the medication.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking diflunisal, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diflunisal, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: acetaminophen (Tylenol); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan); antacids; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); diuretics ('water pills'); indomethacin (Indocin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); and sulindac (Clinoril). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or liver or kidney disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diflunisal. call your doctor if you think you may have a virus, such as chicken pox or the flu. Do not take diflunisal if you have a virus, and do not give diflunisal to a child who has a virus.