Effects on the cardiovascular system
Relatively new is the realization that diclofenac can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Various studies dealing with the use of Diclofenac were evaluated and corresponding side effects observed. It was possible to prove that Diclofenac led to an increase in dangerous vascular diseases.
This became noticeable by newly occurring heart attacks or strokes. Although the number of events was not dangerously high (which should have led to the discontinuation of Diclofenac in the healthy population), it did make the use of Diclofenac in preloaded patients appear more critical. Some time ago, warnings from pharmacological companies were published, indicating that patients who had already had a stroke or heart attack should be administered Diclofenac only with extreme caution. In this case, the occurrence of a new heart attack or stroke is too great.
Effects on the general condition
In addition to the first mentioned above, especially serious possible side effects and risks when using Diclofenac, there may also be unspecific side effects that occur with many drugs. These include discomfort, nausea, headaches and dizziness, which should be taken seriously if they occur after taking Diclofenac. In case of doubt, the preparation should be discontinued and it should be seen whether the symptoms disappear or not.
Effects on the skin
Sometimes there may also be effects on the skin under Diclofenac. Here, after ingestion, skin irritations and eczema occur a few days later, which usually itch moderately to severely. All regions of the body can be affected, but especially the arms, face and trunk are the preferred sites for rashes in a Diclofenac reaction.
Effects on the stomach
One of the most common side effects of Diclofenac is stomach upset. Some authors state that stomach problems are more pronounced with Diclofenac than with other painkillers of the same substance class.Compared to ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), however, the risk of stomach ulcers is relatively lower with diclofenac. All three drugs intervene in the synthesis of prostaglandin.
They inhibit the so-called cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX1 and COX2). However, the degree of inhibition differs between the active ingredients. For example, acetylsalicylic acid inhibits COX 1 in particular, while ibuprofen inhibits both of them more or less equally and diclofenac inhibits COX 2 in particular.
This has an impact on the different risk of side effects on the stomach. Normally COX 1 is constitutively found in certain areas of the body. For example, it is present in the kidney, platelets and stomach.
In the stomach, COX 1 ensures that prostaglandins are released. These cause so-called bicarbonate ions to be formed. They ensure that mucus is formed in the stomach.
This leads to protection against gastric acid in the stomach. If COX 1 is now inhibited, the stomach protection is no longer there and stomach problems, as well as stomach ulcers, can develop. In particular, the inhibition of COX 1 plays a major role here.
If glucocorticoids are taken in addition to Diclofenac, the risk of developing stomach ulcers increases. This is due to the specific properties of the drugs. Glucocorticoids have a so-called antiproliferative effect.
This means they delay the healing of wounds. If, for example, the stomach has already been damaged by diclofenac, glucocorticoids with their antiproliferative properties contribute to poorer healing of the lesion in the stomach. Consequently, the risk of developing a gastric ulcer can be increased. It is advisable to discuss with the doctor how to minimize possible stomach problems when taking Diclofeanc.
