Is diclofenac sodium bad for my heart or stomach if I take it every day?

Diclofenac sodium is a commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness from conditions like arthritis, muscle strains and migraine. While it can be very effective, taking diclofenac every day does come with potential risks—particularly for your heart and stomach. This guide explains what the research shows, who may be most at risk, and how you can help protect yourself.

How diclofenac sodium works

• Blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.
• Less prostaglandin in the stomach lining and blood vessels can lead to side effects in those areas.

Heart (cardiovascular) risks

Multiple large studies and regulatory reviews (including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency) have linked daily NSAID use—diclofenac sodium in particular—to a higher chance of:

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure in people with existing heart disease

Key points:

• Risk appears dose-dependent. Higher doses and longer duration increase your odds.
• Even people without prior heart disease can see a small rise in risk if they take diclofenac daily for months.
• Those with known heart problems, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes face the greatest increase in risk.

How to reduce heart risk

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly; NSAIDs can raise it.
• Discuss your personal risk profile with your doctor before starting daily diclofenac.

Stomach (gastrointestinal) risks

Because diclofenac sodium inhibits the protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining, daily use can lead to:

• Stomach upset and indigestion
• Gastric ulcers or erosions
• Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation (rare but serious)

Who’s most at risk?

• People over 65 years old
• Anyone with a history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding
• Those taking corticosteroids, anticoagulants (blood thinners) or SSRIs
• Regular alcohol users

Symptoms to watch for

• New or worsening upper abdominal pain
• Dark, tarry stools or visible blood in stool
• Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
• Unexplained drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit

How to protect your stomach

• Always take diclofenac sodium with food or a glass of milk.
• Avoid alcohol, which can irritate your stomach further.
• Consider adding a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) or an H2-blocker if you’re at higher GI risk.
• If you’ve had ulcers before, your doctor may recommend misoprostol or switching to an alternative pain reliever.

Other considerations

• Kidney function: Daily NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to fluid retention, high blood pressure and, in rare cases, kidney injury.
• Liver enzymes: Periodic blood tests may be needed if you take diclofenac long term.
• Drug interactions: Always review your full medication list with a doctor or pharmacist.

Are there safer alternatives?

Depending on your condition, your doctor may suggest:

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain relief—no heart or stomach risks at standard doses, but can affect the liver if overused.
• Topical NSAIDs (gels or patches) that deliver lower overall drug levels to the body.
• Non-drug approaches such as physical therapy, weight loss, exercise, heat/cold therapy or acupuncture.
• Other classes of pain relievers (e.g., certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants for nerve pain) if appropriate.

Tracking your symptoms

If you’re uncertain whether your symptoms are related to diclofenac sodium or something more serious, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker. This tool can help you decide if you need prompt medical attention or a routine check-in with your healthcare provider.

When to call your doctor right away

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
• Fainting, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking
• Signs of serious GI bleeding (coffee-ground vomit or black stools)
• Sharp, unrelenting abdominal pain
• Significant swelling, especially in the feet or ankles

Bottom line

Diclofenac sodium can be a valuable pain-relief option, but daily use carries measurable risks to your heart and stomach. Protect yourself by:

• Taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
• Using food, milk or prescribed stomach-protective medications
• Monitoring blood pressure and kidney/liver function as advised
• Talking openly with your doctor about your heart and GI risk factors

Always speak to a doctor about anything that could be life threatening or serious. If you have concerns about ongoing pain management or worrying side effects, schedule an appointment now to find a plan that works safely for you.