Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bad taste
• blurred vision
• eye redness
• itchiness
• mild-to-moderate burning feeling
• sensitivity to light
• temporary eye pain when drops are instilled

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• changes in vision
• feeling of increased eye pressure (after cataract surgery)
• persistent eye pain
• swelling of the eye or eyelid

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or worsening of asthma symptoms
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht).

Each 1 mL of solution contains 1 mg of diclofenac. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cremophor EL, boric acid, tromethamine (TRIS), sorbic acid, edetate disodium, and purified water.

Do not take Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) if you:

• are allergic to diclofenac or any ingredients of the medication
• have a history of Asthma, itchy skin rash, or allergic reactions after taking Asa (acetylsalicylic acid) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Celecoxib, Naproxen, Indomethacin, etc.)

There may be an interaction between diclofenac eye drops and any of the following:

• corticosteroid eye drops (e.g., Prednisolone)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht).

Allergies: If you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) you may also be allergic to diclofenac eye drops. If you are allergic to these medications, talk to your doctor before using diclofenac eye drops.

Bleeding: If you are having surgery and bleed easily or are taking medications that prolong bleeding (e.g., Warfarin), discuss with your doctor how Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Contact lenses: Contact lenses must be removed before using the eye drops and can be put back in 15 minutes afterwards. Soft contact lenses should not be worn while using diclofenac ophthalmic drops.

Vision: Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) can cause blurred or reduced vision. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery until these symptoms resolve. Although these symptoms usually improve over time, stop using the eye drops and contact your eye doctor if they persist.

Wound healing: Diclofenac eye drops may slow or delay the healing of wounds. You are at an increased risk if you have complicated eye surgeries, disorders of the cornea, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or several eye surgeries in a short time, or are using corticosteroid eye drops at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Pregnancy: Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if diclofenac ophthalmic drops pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Voltaren Ophtha (Diclofenac-opht) have not been established for children.