Description:

Naklofen Duo 75mg Capsules (20 capsules pack, often labeled as diclofenac sodium) is a modified/prolonged-release (dual-release) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It combines immediate-release and sustained-release diclofenac in one capsule for rapid onset and prolonged pain/inflammation relief. It treats inflammatory and painful conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-traumatic pain, postoperative pain, dysmenorrhea, and other rheumatic/inflammatory disorders. The “Duo” formulation provides 25 mg immediate-release diclofenac for quick action and 50 mg prolonged-release for sustained effect over 24 hours. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common imported generic NSAID available in pharmacies (e.g., Country Medical Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy, Queenstreet Pharmacy, Katemed Pharmacy) for arthritis, injury pain, or menstrual cramps.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx due to NSAID risks like gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and renal effects; not freely OTC for prolonged use).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) / Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory / Antipyretic (Modified-release diclofenac.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Diclofenac sodium 75 mg per capsule (25 mg in enteric-coated/immediate-release pellets + 50 mg in prolonged/sustained-release pellets). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Sugar spheres, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium carbonate, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, macrogol 6000, sodium hydroxide, ammonium methacrylate copolymer (type A and B), indigo carmine (E132), gelatin (capsule shell). The dual pellets allow biphasic release (rapid + extended).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Naklofen Duo 75mg Capsules (modified-release, 20 capsules per pack common in Ghana). Related variants: Standard Naklofen (immediate-release diclofenac, e.g., 50mg tablets or injections), Naklofen Retard (prolonged-release only), or other diclofenac formulations (e.g., 50mg/100mg tablets, suppositories). The “Duo” is the dual-release capsule variant.

Consume Type:

Oral – Hard capsule (swallow whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open to preserve modified-release mechanism).

Directions/Usage:

Take as prescribed by a doctor (lowest effective dose/shortest duration).

• Adults: Starting dose 75–150 mg/day (1–2 capsules once daily or divided), depending on severity.
• Take with or after food/milk to reduce stomach upset.
• Do not exceed 150 mg/day without advice.
• Duration: Short-term for acute pain; longer for chronic conditions with monitoring. Monitor response; adjust/taper as directed.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
• Central: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness.
• Other: Rash, edema (swelling), increased blood pressure. Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, heart attack/stroke signs (chest pain, shortness of breath), liver/kidney issues (jaundice, dark urine), severe skin reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (typically 10 capsules per strip, packs of 2×10 = 20 capsules; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of serious cardiovascular (heart attack/stroke), gastrointestinal (ulcers/bleeding), and renal events—use lowest dose/shortest time.
• Contraindicated if allergic to diclofenac/NSAIDs/aspirin (asthma triad), active peptic ulcer, severe heart/liver/kidney failure, post-CABG surgery, or third-trimester pregnancy (fetal harm).
• Caution in elderly, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or history of ulcers.
• Avoid alcohol/other NSAIDs (increased bleeding risk).
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning (avoid if possible), breastfeeding, or on anticoagulants/steroids.
• If black stools, severe pain, swelling, or chest pain occurs, seek immediate help. Regular monitoring for long-term use.

Product Substitutes:

Similar diclofenac modified/prolonged-release capsules/tablets in Ghana:

• Other diclofenac 75mg ER generics (e.g., Diclofam, Voltaren Retard equivalents).
• Standard diclofenac 50mg/100mg tablets or injections.
• Alternatives: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib (COX-2 selective), Etoricoxib (consult doctor for risk profile). Widely available at pharmacies like Country Medical Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy in Accra.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto (Slovenia; original producer of Naklofen Duo). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., via Country Medical Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy, Queenstreet Pharmacy, Katemed Pharmacy, or other chains).

Country of Origin:

Slovenia (manufactured by KRKA; imported and available in Ghanaian pharmacies as per listings).