Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV), 23-valent and Voltaren

• Generic Name: pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Pneumovax 23

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria can infect the sinuses and inner ear. It can also infect the lungs, blood, and brain and these conditions can be fatal.

Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV) is used to prevent infection caused by pneumococcal bacteria. PPSV contains 23 of the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.

PPSV works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. PPSV will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

PPSV is for use only in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. For children younger than 2 years old, another vaccine called Prevnar (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV] 7-valent) is used, usually given between the ages of 2 months and 15 months.

Like any vaccine, PPSV may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: diclofenac
• Dosage Forms: tablet, delayed release
• Other Brand Names: Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, also Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, Zorvolex, Dyloject, Cambia

Voltaren (diclofenac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Voltaren works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Voltaren oral tablets are used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.

Voltaren ophthalmic eyedrops are used to treat pain, inflammation, and light sensitivity after eye surgery or for certain eye conditions.

Voltaren gel is used to treat osteoarthritis of the knees and hands.

You should not use Voltaren if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Voltaren can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

Voltaren may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Voltaren, especially in older adults.