Cataflam Special Precautions

General: The concomitant use of Cataflam with systemic NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors, should be avoided due to the absence of any evidence demonstrating synergistic benefits and the potential for additive undesirable effects.
Caution is indicated in the elderly on basic medical grounds. In particular it is recommended that the lowest effective dose be used in frail elderly patients or those with a low body weight.
Cataflam tablets contain sucrose and therefore are not recommended for patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Pre-existing asthma: In patients with asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, swelling of the nasal mucosa (i.e. nasal polyps), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or chronic infections of the respiratory tract (especially if linked to allergic rhinitis-like symptoms), reactions on NSAIDs like asthma exacerbations (so-called intolerance to analgesics/analgesics-asthma), Quincke's oedema or urticaria are more frequent than in other patients. Therefore, special precaution is recommended in such patients (readiness for emergency). This is applicable as well for patients who are allergic to other substances, e.g. with skin reactions, pruritus or urticaria.
Gastrointestinal effects: As with all NSAIDs, including diclofenac, close medical surveillance is imperative and particular caution should be exercised when prescribing Cataflam in patients with symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders or with a history suggestive of gastric or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation (see Adverse Reactions). The risk of GI bleeding is higher with increasing NSAID doses and in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation and in the elderly.
To reduce the risk of GI toxicity in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation, and in the elderly, the treatment should be initiated and maintained at the lowest effective dose.
Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant use of medicinal products containing low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)/aspirin or other medicinal products likely to increase gastrointestinal risk.
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding). Caution is recommended in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulants, anti-platelet agents or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (see Interactions).
Close medical surveillance and caution should also be exercised in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, as their condition may be exacerbated (see Adverse Reactions).
Hepatic effects: Close medical surveillance is required when prescribing Cataflam to patients with impaired hepatic function, as their condition may be exacerbated.
As with other NSAIDs, including diclofenac, values of one or more liver enzymes may increase. During prolonged treatment with Cataflam, regular monitoring of hepatic function is indicated as a precautionary measure. If abnormal liver function tests persist or worsen, if clinical signs or symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if other manifestations occur (e.g. eosinophilia, rash), Cataflam should be discontinued. Hepatitis may occur with use of diclofenac without prodromal symptoms.
Caution is called for when using Cataflam in patients with hepatic porphyria, since it may trigger an attack.
Renal effects: As fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy, including diclofenac, particular caution is called for in patients with impaired cardiac or renal function, history of hypertension, the elderly, patients receiving concomitant treatment with diuretics or medicinal products that can significantly impact renal function, and in those patients with substantial extracellular volume depletion from any cause, e.g. before or after major surgery (see Contraindications). Monitoring of renal function is recommended as a precautionary measure when using Cataflam in such cases. Discontinuation of therapy is normally followed by recovery to the pre-treatment state.
Haematological effects: Use of Cataflam is recommended only for short-term treatment. If, however, Cataflam is used for a prolonged period, monitoring of the blood count is recommended, as with other NSAIDs.
Like other NSAIDs, Cataflam may temporarily inhibit platelet aggregation. Patients with defects of haemostasis should be carefully monitored.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Patients experiencing visual disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, somnolence or other central nervous disturbances while taking Cataflam should refrain from driving or using machines.