Generic name: Diflunisal

Why is this medication prescribed?
Diflunisal is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce the pain and inflammation (swelling) caused by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Diflunisal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Do not chew or crush the tablets; swallow them whole. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diflunisal exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take several days for the full effect of this medication to be felt.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking diflunisal,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diflunisal, aspirin or other medications for arthritis or pain, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL), indomethacin (Indocin), methotrexate, sulindac (Clinoril), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hemophilia or other bleeding problems, kidney or heart disease, high blood pressure, or ulcers.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diflunisal, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diflunisal.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
To prevent upset stomach, take diflunisal with meals, water, or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from diflunisal are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• nervousness
• upset stomach
• stomach pain or cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• ringing in the ears
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• irregular heartbeat
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before taking other nonprescription pain relievers or cold, cough, and allergy products, read their labels to be sure that they do not contain acetaminophen or aspirin. Do not take products containing these ingredients before talking to your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.