Hyderabad: Diclofenac is a non-steroidal drug used for alleviating pain in patients suffering from gout, but it has also been found to increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke by 50 per cebt, according to a recent research where more than 6.3 million cases were studied.
It also increases the risk of the patient for gastrointestinal bleeding when compared to other painkillers. Senior general physician at Apollo Hospitals, Dr Anish Anand, explained, “Diclofenac is a commonly used medicine for pain in India but is not the primary drug for treatment for gout. This drug is not used as the first line of treatment for pain especially for gout.”
“The pain often is so debilitating that patients are unable to tolerate it. It is also found that the pain radiates in muscles and bones which often becomes unbearable for patients. There are other medicines which can be given,” Dr Anand said.
Diclofenac causes a lot of acidity and gastric intolerance in Indian patients. It is contraindicated for patients having allergies, stomach ulcers, heart, renal and liver problems.
Senior general physician Dr B. Raju said, “Over the counter sales of these drugs must not be allowed. Also patients take one prescription of the drug and use it repeatedly which is a major challenge. Due to this reason, these drugs are not being prescribed regularly.”
Experts point out that the adverse reactions are not noted in India but the data from the West has widely stated that this medicine is harmful. Hence before prescribing it patients are counselled not to over use the medicine.
