looking pregnant

[conway]

Does anyone know if having a swollen belly is normal if you are on diclofenac. I have been on it for a week now for back problems . How long do I need to be on it?and is there anything else to try instead.
To think I used to be worried about wearing a bikini, now I have real problems.

Your swollen belly could indicate that you may have an ulceration to the gut. Have you experienced any cramp like feelings? Is it the oral tablets or a Gel you are using?

Were they prescribed ny the Doc or did you buy it OTC?

Questions I need to ask just so I can relate to the specific drug you are taking. Are you using a generic version such as Voltarol?

I am using diclofenac tablets prescibed by my doctor for back problems. No cramping but feeling full, and sick after eating and runny poos.

You will probably just find that these symptoms are a result of taking an oral medication. Dont be alarmed at all. If you do start getting a cramp like feeling or feel that its burning in your belly go back an see your doc ok?

i would stop them for now and go back and see your GP on monday. feeling sick can be a common side effect of diclofenac, but you need to be sure its not causing heartburn/ulcer type symptoms.

however the swelling and sickness COULD indicate problems with your kidneys, which is a rare side effect of diclofenac. you need to talk to a doctor and then they decide whether to run a kidney function blood test.

if you get much worse over the weekend (ie being sick/ swelling increases/ankle sweeling/not passing much urine) then you'll need to go to A+E

there probably is a benign explanation but you need to discuss this with your doc.

Agree with luvaduck, but hopefully it's just general GI stuff that I've had with it, which is a lot like the bloating and pain I get with ovulation IYKWIM? In which case avoiding other bloat inducers like wheat may help?

But non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (of which diclofenac is one) kill about 2,000 people a year (last time I checked - disclaimer am not a healthcare prof but used to live with one) so listen to luvaduck and keep an eye on your symptoms.

The most common side effects of diclofenac involve the gastrointestinal system.

It can cause ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity.

Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, and lightheadedness are also seen.

Btw. Do you suffer with any of the following or are they in any immediate family members?

• High/Low blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Stomach ulcers?
• Diabetic

Are you taking any of the floowing mediaction?

• aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Blood pressure tablets
• Blood thinning tablets

Thanks, stopped taking the diclofenac and don't feel sick anymore, still a little bit bloated but that may just be fat.
Now have a headache but I think that is due to stopping taking the codenine.