Kenya's ministry of health notifies the public about Diclofenac

The Board went on to issue a warning stating that Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are associated with an increased risk of blood clots especially in patients with underlying heart conditions or with certain cardiovascular risk factors which could lead to heart attack or stroke. (Read More Here).

The Board advised members of the public that the painkiller should be dispensed on prescription basis.

The medicine is widely used as a pain reliever and as an anti-inflammatory particularly in conditions such as arthritis.

The health department warned that there is a small risk of heart attack or stroke in patients taking systemic Diclofenac regularly, especially at high doses of 150 mg. (Read More Here).

Further, use of the drug is no longer recommended for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke, heart failure, blockages to vessels or have had an operation to clear or bypass such blockages.

Smokers or people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes have been urged to seek medical advise beforehand.

At the same time, those on long-term Diclofenac treatment will have to get their treatment reviewed by a healthcare professional.

The board linked the popular painkiller to heart attacks as well as stroke.

In a statement on Friday, Fred Siyoi, CEO of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, said even though the benefits of diclofenac are greater than its risks, there are small risks of heart attack or stroke in patients taking the drug regularly.

Diclofenac is used to relieve pain as well as swelling and joint stiffness caused by arthritis.

This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

"Use of diclofenac is no longer recommended for patients with a history of heart failure or circulatory problems that restrict blood flow to their limbs,” Siyoi said.

For those who smoke or those who have high blood cholesterol and diabetes, they’ve been urged to seek a doctor’s prescription before using diclofenac.

To reduce the side effects of NSAIDs (diclofenac)

1. Don’t take them on a empty stomach, eat first.

2. Be careful with them if you already have ulcer, kidney issues or you are hypertensive. NSAIDs may make things worse.

3. Only take the prescribed dose.