Olfen-50 Tablet

Olfen-50 Tablet contains diclofenac (as diclofenac sodium or potassium) 50mg, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute muscle and joint injuries, back pain, and painful swelling after minor surgery or dental procedures. It works by lowering the body’s production of prostaglandins, the chemical messengers that drive pain, swelling and fever.

Olfen-50 is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia. A doctor needs to review your medical history, including any history of stomach ulcers, kidney or heart problems, or bleeding tendency, before prescribing it, and will advise on the shortest effective course. Customers in Malaysia and Singapore can consult a doctor online through DoctorOnCall, who will assess suitability and issue a prescription before the order is processed and dispensed by a registered pharmacist.

Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins in the body. Since prostaglandins are responsible for triggering pain signals, inflammation and fever at the site of tissue injury or disease, blocking their formation reduces swelling, stiffness and pain intensity, helping to restore comfort and movement in affected joints or muscles.

Take Olfen-50 tablets by mouth, ideally with food, milk, or a full glass of water to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it, as some formulations are enteric-coated or modified-release to protect the stomach lining. Take the tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the dose and frequency advised, and do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use without medical advice.

Dosage is individualised by your doctor depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and your overall health, with the total daily dose typically divided across two to three doses for ongoing conditions. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to control your symptoms, and do not adjust your dose or frequency without checking with your prescribing doctor first.

Olfen-50 tablets should be used before the expiry date printed on the blister strip or carton. Do not use the tablets after this date, and dispose of any unused or expired tablets appropriately rather than keeping them for future use.

Store the tablets below 30 degrees Celsius, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging until ready to use, and keep them out of reach and sight of children.

• Active or history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Known allergy to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs, including a history of asthma, hives or allergic reactions triggered by these medicines
• Severe heart failure, significant kidney impairment, or severe liver disease
• Third trimester of pregnancy, due to risks to the unborn baby
• Active bleeding disorders or concurrent use of blood-thinning medicines without medical supervision
• Not recommended for use immediately before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or in patients with established ischaemic heart disease, stroke history, or peripheral arterial disease

• Increased bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners such as warfarin, or with other NSAIDs or aspirin
• May reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medicines and diuretics, and combined use can affect kidney function
• Can raise blood levels of lithium, digoxin, and methotrexate, increasing the risk of toxicity
• Increased risk of stomach irritation or bleeding when combined with corticosteroids, SSRIs, or alcohol
• Taking with food or milk can help reduce stomach irritation, though it does not eliminate the risk entirely

• Take with food or a full glass of water to reduce stomach irritation
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, as advised by your doctor
• Seek medical attention promptly if you notice black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
• Inform your doctor of all other medicines you take, especially blood thinners, other painkillers, or blood pressure medicines
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs or aspirin unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Have regular follow-up with your doctor if you need diclofenac for an extended period, especially if you have cardiovascular risk factors

Diclofenac is one of the most widely prescribed NSAIDs for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, valued for its potent anti-inflammatory effect, but it carries recognised risks to the stomach, kidneys and cardiovascular system that increase with dose and duration of use. Because of these risks, it is only available on prescription in Malaysia, and a doctor’s review is needed to weigh the expected benefit against your individual risk factors, particularly if you have existing heart disease or risk factors for it. Customers in Malaysia and Singapore should use DoctorOnCall’s online consultation service to obtain a prescription and should have periodic medical review if treatment continues beyond a short course.