diflunisal

Diflunisal can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. This can happen as early as within the first weeks of starting this medication. People with heart problems, those taking higher doses of diflunisal, and those taking diflunisal for a long time are at greater risk for these side effects. That’s why it’s important to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't take diflunisal if you've had or will be having heart bypass surgery. Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

Diflunisal can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers, which can be dangerous. There are many conditions and medications that raise your risk of this problem, so speak with your provider before starting this medication. If you notice blood in your vomit, stool that looks like black coffee grounds, or if you have pain in your stomach that doesn't go away, stop this medication and talk to your healthcare provider right away. Stomach bleeding and ulcers can occur without warning or symptoms, so it's best to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to minimize your risk. If you take diflunisal for a long time, you might need to get regular lab work to check if you have any bleeding inside your body.

Diflunisal can make it more difficult for your kidneys to pass urine. This can raise your blood pressure and cause your body to hold on to more water, leading to or worsening problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs. Diflunisal can also interact with certain medications used to treat these conditions, such as furosemide (Lasix), lisinopril (Zestril), and losartan (Cozaar). Monitor your blood pressure closely when you take diflunisal. It's not recommended to use diflunisal if you have heart failure, unless the benefit of this medication is greater than the risk of side effects. Let your provider know right away if you notice any changes in your blood pressure or experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.

Diflunisal can damage your kidneys by slowing down blood flow to the kidneys. The risk is higher if you take this medication for a long time, are taking certain blood pressure medications (like ACEIs or water pills), or have certain conditions (like kidney or liver problems and heart failure). Let your healthcare provider know if you notice a change in how often you urinate after starting diflunisal. Kidney damage is usually reversible once you stop taking this medication.

Very rarely, diflunisal can cause life-threatening liver damage. Your risk is higher if you take diflunisal and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together because diflunisal can raise the level of acetaminophen (Tylenol). High levels of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can damage your liver over time. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool, and dark urine.

Diflunisal can cause anemia (low red blood cell levels). It typically occurs as a result of some side effect of diflunisal, such as stomach bleeds or kidney damage. If you need to take this medication for a long time, your healthcare provider might ask you to get regular lab work done to check your red blood cell levels.

Diflunisal can cause your airways to tighten, which might lead to severe asthma attacks. Be careful using this medication if you have asthma. People who have experienced asthma attacks triggered by aspirin (Aspir-Low) or other NSAIDs in the past should avoid diflunisal. Get medical help right away if your throat tightens and you can't breathe.

Diflunisal might cause sudden and very serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Symptoms of SJS include fever, body aches, cough, peeling skin, and painful blisters all over your body (especially the skin around the eyes, mouth, throat, or genitals). This medication might also cause drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). People with DRESS can experience symptoms like fever, rash, and swelling of the face, which can lead to multiple organ damage in severe cases. Stop the medication and get medical help right away if you experience these symptoms.

If diflunisal is taken during or after the second trimester of pregnancy, it can lower the amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb). This can occur as soon as 2 days after starting the medication and result in serious kidney problems in your unborn baby. Babies born to mothers who take diflunisal starting the third trimester of pregnancy or later can also develop heart problems. This medication is typically not used in pregnant women unless the benefit is greater than the risks of side effects and harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your provider if you're thinking of getting pregnant or become pregnant while taking diflunisal.