diflunisal

What is the most important information I should know about diflunisal?

Diflunisal can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diflunisal may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

What is diflunisal?

Diflunisal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Diflunisal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diflunisal?

Diflunisal can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Diflunisal may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using diflunisal, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• fluid retention;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

If you are pregnant, you should not take diflunisal unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

How should I take diflunisal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using diflunisal.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since diflunisal is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, gasping for breath, fast heart rate, sweating, confusion, extreme drowsiness, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking diflunisal?

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb diflunisal.

What are the possible side effects of diflunisal?

• changes in your vision;
• any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired; or
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion;
• diarrhea, constipation, gas;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache, tired feeling;
• rash; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect diflunisal?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• cyclosporine;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect diflunisal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about diflunisal.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.01. Revision date: 11/3/2020.