Other Brands/Names

Artoflam, Artrodar, Boncerin, Bondi, Diacerin Ogb, Diaserin, Flectol, Nocel.

How It Works

Diacerein is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with antioxidant activity that can suppress cell death. This medicine stimulates the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, while also promotes an increase in chondrocyte numbers (the cells responsible for building cartilage).

Because of these actions, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, diacerein helps protect articular cartilage and the synovial membrane (the connective tissue lining the joint space).

Indications

Diacerein is used to manage joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (inflammation of the articular cartilage). It alleviates symptoms that can occur during long-term treatments for osteoarthritis.

Contraindication

• A history of severe allergic reaction to diacerein

• Inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

• Small or large bowel obstruction

• Severe kidney or liver disorders

• Current use of laxatives

Side Effects

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Skin symptoms (itching, redness, or dry skin)

• Brown-yellow discoloration of urine

• Hepatitis or liver inflammation

If you develop any of the above reactions, contact your doctor immediately.

Types

This medicine is available as 50 mg capsules.

Dosage

The usual dose of this medicine is 50 mg once or twice daily. The dose may be increased to 100 mg per day in divided doses, depending on patient tolerance.

The dose of diacerein in usual treatments may again be titrated up to 100 mg per day in divided doses, according to patient's tolerance. Treatment duration varies with clinical response and symptom improvement. Take diacerein with or after meals.

Safety

Diacerein should be taken only under a doctor’s prescription. It is not recommended for patients 65 years old and above.

Use of this drug is also not advised during pregnancy because it can slow bone formation and affect fetal kidney development. Diacerein is known to pass into breast milk; consult your physician before use.

Drug Interactions

• May reduce the bioavailability of medicines that decrease stomach acid production (products containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide)

• Interacts with chemotherapy agents

• Increases the risk of dehydration and low blood potassium when combined with diuretics (which increase urine output and reduce body fluid)

• Increases the risk of cardiac rhythm disorders when administered with digoxin

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