The Ministry of Health has warned the public against self-medicating with pain killers especially Diclofenac.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) through a statement issued on Friday, May 20, stated that Diclofenac should only be dispensed on prescription basis.
The medicine is widely used as a pain reliever and as an anti-inflammatory particularly with people suffering from conditions like arthritis.
“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board wishes to draw the attention of the public to the use of ‘Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), specifically Diclofenac for pain management,” reads part of the statement.
According to the statemnt by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs may cause increased risk of blood clots particularly in patients with underlying heart conditions or some cardiovascular risk factors that could lead to heart attack or a stroke.
Therefore, continued use of diclofenac is not reccommended especially for patients with a history of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blockages of vessels or have had an operation to clear or bypass such blockages.
Furthermore, people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smokers, are advised to seek medical counsel beforehand.
In addition, those on long-term Diclofenac treatment are urged to get their treatment reviewed by a healthcare professional.