What it is used for
- Relieving pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis
- Treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Cream for local relief of muscle and joint pain and inflammation in authorised products
How it is used
- Swallow the tablet with water, with or after food, as prescribed
- Use the minimum treatment your clinician decides and do not combine it with a similar painkiller
- Apply a thin layer of cream to intact skin and rub in gently as directed by the leaflet
- Wash your hands after cream and avoid the eyes, wounds and airtight dressings
Possible side effects
- Indigestion, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea
- Dizziness or headache
- Rash, itching or local irritation with cream
- An ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or bowel
- Fluid retention, raised blood pressure or a change in kidney function
Who should not use it
- Allergy to aceclofenac or asthma or rash triggered by aspirin or a similar painkiller
- Current or recurrent stomach or bowel ulceration or bleeding
- Severe heart, kidney or liver failure
- The final trimester of pregnancy
Before and while using it
- Get urgent help for black stools, vomiting blood, chest pain or sudden weakness
- Extra care is needed in older people and those with asthma, high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease
- It may increase heart attack or stroke risk, particularly with higher or prolonged exposure
- Stop and seek medical advice for a severe rash, blistering, swelling or breathing difficulty
- Cream may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight in some people
Medicine interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines can increase bleeding
- Other NSAIDs, aspirin, corticosteroids and some antidepressants increase ulcer and bleeding risk
- Diuretics and blood-pressure medicines may work less well and kidney injury risk can rise
- Lithium, methotrexate and some immunosuppressants can have increased levels or toxicity
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Avoid it during pregnancy unless a clinician considers it necessary, and do not use it in the final trimester
- Ask your doctor for an alternative while breastfeeding or when trying to conceive
How to store it
- Store as directed by the leaflet, away from heat, moisture and children's reach
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.