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Diclofenac Potassium

This form:

Pronounced

"dye-KLOE-fen-ak"

Common brand names:

Cambia

Uses

See also Warning section.

This powder form of diclofenac is used to treat migraine headaches. Diclofenac is not used to prevent migraines from happening or lessen how often you get them.

Diclofenac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used for other painful conditions such as menstrual cramp, arthritis, kidney pain, bursitis, and tendonitis.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you do not get better, do not take more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor. According to the manufacturer, you should not take more than 1 packet per migraine attack.

Empty the contents of one packet into a cup containing 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of water. Mix well and drink all of it right away. Do not mix with any liquid other than water. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. However, if you take this medication with a meal high in fat, it may not work as well.

There are different brands and forms of this medication available. Because different forms do not have the same effects at equal strengths, do not switch forms of diclofenac unless your doctor tells you to.

To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain or migraine occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2026.