Precautions and Warnings With Diclofenac Eye Drops

If you are using diclofenac eye drops, it is important to know that this medication may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or bleeding problems. Other precautions and warnings with diclofenac eye drops include potential drug interactions, the safety of using these drops while pregnant or breastfeeding, and possible side effects.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Diclofenac Eye Drops?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking diclofenac eye drops (Voltaren Ophthalmic®) if you have:
 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Had multiple eye surgeries in a short period of time
  • Dry eyes
  • Bleeding problems (or are taking a blood-thinning medication)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Diclofenac Eye Drops

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using diclofenac eye drops include the following:
 
  • All NSAIDs, including diclofenac eye drops, may cause slow or delayed healing, especially if combined with steroid eye drops.
     
  • Diclofenac eye drops can interact with certain medications (see Drug Interactions With Diclofenac Eye Drops).
     
  • Let your healthcare provider know if you develop severe eye pain, redness, wateriness, or sensitivity to light. It is a good idea to at least check with your healthcare provider if you are concerned, even if you are unsure if the problems are simply normal side effects of surgery.
     
  • Diclofenac eye drops may be more likely to cause serious eye problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, dry eyes, or multiple recent eye surgeries. Extra caution and monitoring is recommended in such circumstances.
     
  • Research suggests that starting NSAID eye drops more than 24 hours before surgery or continuing them for more than 14 days after surgery may increase the risk of serious eye problems.
     
  • Do not wear soft contact lenses (except "bandage" type lenses especially for use after surgery) with this product.
     
  • NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. Although this risk is minimized because diclofenac is taken as an eye drop, some risk may still be present, especially in people with a bleeding disorder or who are taking "blood thinner" medications.
     
  • Diclofenac eye drops are a pregnancy Category C medicine, which means they might not be safe during pregnancy, although the full risks are currently unknown (see Diclofenac and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • It is unknown if diclofenac eye drops pass through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding a child, check with your healthcare provider (or your child's healthcare provider) before using this medicine (see Diclofenac and Breastfeeding).
     
Precautions and Warnings With Diclofenac Eye Drops Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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