Diflunisal

Diflunisal treats mild to moderate pain. It is also treats the symptoms osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Do not chew or crush tablets.

Diflunisal Overview

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Diflunisal is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate pain. It is also used to treat the symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). Diflunisal belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs. These work by blocking chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. 

This medication comes in an oral (by mouth) tablet form and can be taken up to every 8 hours, with food or milk. 

Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

Common side effects of diflunisal include nausea, dyspepsia (indigestion), stomach pain, and diarrhea.

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What are you taking Diflunisal for?

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  • Other
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

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Diflunisal Cautionary Labels

precautionsprecautionsprecautions

Uses of Diflunisal

Diflunisal is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate pain. It is also used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of the joints.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Diflunisal Brand Names

Diflunisal may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Diflunisal Drug Class

Diflunisal is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Diflunisal

Serious side effects have been reported with diflunisal. See the "Diflunisal Precautions" section.

Common side effects of diflunisal include the following:

  • nausea
  • upset stomach
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • vomiting
  • dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • constipation
  • gas
  • rash

This is not a complete list of diflunisal side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Diflunisal FDA Warning

Cardiovascular Risk

  • NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.
  • Diflunisal tablets are contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risk

  • NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.