Description
Diacerein is a medicine that is used to relieve pain, stiffness and swelling of joints associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder caused when the protective cartilage which acts as a cushion between two ends of bones wears down, leading to joint tenderness and pain with movement. It works by forming a soft connective tissue around the joints (cartilage), thus it relieves pain and swelling at the joints. This medicine is slow acting and is used as a long-term treatment option, either alone or in combination to treat joint pains. Diacerein is available in two forms that are tablets and capsules.Diacerein shows common side effects like diarrhoea and urine discolouration. Usually, these side effects resolve with time. If any of these symptoms persist for a long time or worsen, consult your doctor at the earliest. Inform your doctor if you have medical conditions related to your liver, kidney and heart, diabetes (increased blood sugar levels), etc. before taking this medicine. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.Diacerein can be taken with or without food. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it on your own even if you feel better. Along with the medicine, regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint and managing the body weight should be adopted in daily lifestyle.
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Side effectsConcernsUsage
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Diacerein
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort and pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Urine discoloration
- Increase in liver enzyme levels
- Allergic skin reaction
Read MoreUses of Diacerein
What is it prescribed for?
Concerns Onset of action Diacerein starts showing its action in 2-3 hours. Duration of effect The duration of action of Diacerein is 27 hours. Safe with alcohol? Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption. Is it habit forming? Diacerein has no habit forming tendency. Usage in pregnancy? Diacerein is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may delay the bone formation of your foetus. Usage while breast-feeding? Diacerein is known to pass into the breastmilk. This medicine may affect the kidneys and bone growth in infants. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine during breastfeeding.Commonly asked questions
Allergy
Avoid taking Diacerein if you are allergic to it. Seek medical attention if you notice any allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives (painful, itchy eruptions that sting), swelling (face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc.
Kidney diseases
Diacerein is excreted through the kidneys. If you have pre-existing kidney problems, this medicine may accumulate in your kidneys and further worsen your condition. Hence, this medicine is not recommended for use if you have kidney problems.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Diacerein is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may delay the bone formation of your foetus.
Breast-feeding
Diacerein is known to pass into the breastmilk. This medicine may affect the kidneys and bone growth in infants. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine during breastfeeding.
General warnings
Diarrhoea
Diacerein may cause diarrhoea or loose stools in the first few days of treatment. Contact your doctor if the diarrhoea does not stop within 3-4 days.
Antibiotic therapy
Diacerein should not be taken with antibiotics since the risk of stomach irritation and persistent diarrhoea is significantly high.
Diagnostic tests
It is recommended to monitor your liver function, kidney function and complete blood count in every six months during treatment with Diacerein.
Urine discolouration
The use of Diacerein may cause the intense yellow colour of urine. This is mainly due to the excretion of end products and may not lead to any serious side effects.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Diacerein, make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor if you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of Diacerein.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Aluminium Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide
Amoxycillin
Laxatives
Disease interactions
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes pain in the abdomen, gases and diarrhoea/constipation. Diacerein may increase the risk of diarrhoea in people having IBS.
Kidney diseases
Diacerein is excreted through the kidneys. If you have pre-existing kidney problems, this medicine may accumulate in your kidneys and further worsen your condition. Hence, this medicine is not recommended for use if you have kidney problems.
Food interactions
A diet rich in fibres and phytates (beans, seeds and grains) may interfere with the absorption of Diacerein from the stomach. Hence, taking this medicine with a diet rich in fibres and phytates should be avoided.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take Diacerein as instructed by your doctor. You can take this medicine with or without food. Exercise to strengthen muscles around the affected joint and managing your weight while taking this medicine will help you to get better effects. It may increase your blood sugar level. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Do not take Diacerein if you are suffering from diarrhoea.Let your doctor know if your symptoms do not improve even after two to three months of taking this medicine. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet/capsule. Take the medicine immediately after peeling from the strip.
Miscelleneous
To be taken immediately after food
To be taken as instructed by doctor
Does not cause sleepiness
How it works
Diacerein works by blocking the actions of a specific protein that causes swelling, pain, and degradation of cartilage at bone joints. It also promotes the formation of cartilage (a soft tissue around the joints), thus relieves discomfort in your physical movements.
Legal Status
Approved
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Classification
Category
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Antirheumatics
Schedule
Schedule H
JP, P., M, Y., B, H., P, C., MA, N., D, C., I, W., IA, R. and AD, B., 2021. Efficacy and safety of diacerein in osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Diacerein Study Group. [online] PubMed. Available at: < [Accessed 13 July 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Diacerein. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 13 July 2021].
Data.health.gov.il. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 28 July 2021].
https://data.health.gov.il/drugs/alonim/Diatrim_dr_1462364199647.pdf>
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