#diclofenac

Note: this resource is written by a NZ-based organization and is primarily aimed at people in Aotearoa NZ (where the ozone layer home makes the risk of sun damage much higher) but this is still crucial information for anyone on medications for arthritis and inflammatory conditions.

"The interaction of inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other forms of spondyloarthritis), medications to control arthritis and sun sensitivity is not always clear, and the reactions between medications and sun vary; • NSAIDs, such as Naproxen and diclofenac, can make you more sun sensitive as can Sulfasalazine/ Salazopyrin. Hydroxychloroquine can increase light sensitivity and vision changes. • COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib can cause irritation, with a breakout in rashes... • There is an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) for people being treated with DMARDs such as methotrexate and some biologic therapies. These medications also increase the risk of NMSC recurrence. • Methotrexate can irritate the skin where sunburn has occurred previously... • Long-term corticosteroids thins the skin, making it more likely to burn, and more susceptible to wrinkling and thinning of the skin (skin atrophy)."

**Cat Safety PSA**

As we move into the colder months, some of you, like me, might have stiff, achy joints and be seeking relief. Now that topical Diclofenac/(Voltaren) gel is available over the counter, this is a good time for an important reminder for cat owners: the active ingredient is highly toxic to cats, and exposure is a medical emergency!

Even in small quantities, it can prove highly toxic and cause both damage to the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, as well as kidney failure. Cats are often exposed by licking treated areas on their owner's skin, through licking spilled product from their coats/paws, and - if you have a mischievous cat - chewing on the tube can also result in lethal exposure.

If you use Diclofenac in a household with cats, be mindful to keep the product away from where a cat might reach it, clean up spills immediately, wash your hands thoroughly after use, cover areas of the body where it is applied so that your cat does not lick your skin or encounter the residue, and ensure that cats do not have access to treated skin (and clothing/bedding that may have absorbed it) for several hours after application.

Signs of NSAID toxicity in cats may include drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain/sensitivity, tarry stools, pale gums, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, and death. If you cat accidentally ingests Diclofenac, treat it as a medical emergency, even if the animal is not yet symptomatic. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian and seek immediate treatment. If possible, bring the tube so that the clinic will know the concentration ingested. Prompt intervention is essential for the best outcome possible, so err on the side of caution even if you think your pet only ingested a small amount.

We’re on day 11 of having a headache on the right-hand side of my head. It does not respond to ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol, or diclofenac. Just my luck. The only thing that seems to be having any effect is the pregabalin my psychiatrist prescribed.

Vultures are struggling, ya’ll. Big time. Especially the ones in Africa, Asia and parts of Europe. Some species have declined 90% (!!!) and have been classified as Critically Endangered. Vultures are a CRITICAL part of our ecosystems and without them we are in big trouble.

Learn more about this crisis from the vulture pros at VulPro: