Orcerin

Orcerin from Macleods contains diacerein, a medicine used to help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially of the knee and hip. It is a slow-acting joint medicine that aims to reduce pain and stiffness over time so that day-to-day movement becomes easier.

• Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip
• Joint pain and morning stiffness from osteoarthritis
• Long-term symptom management of degenerative joint disease

Diacerein works by reducing the action of a chemical messenger called interleukin-1, which plays a key role in joint inflammation and cartilage damage. By lowering this activity, it helps ease pain and stiffness and may slow further wear in the joint over time.

Take as prescribed by your doctor. Capsules are usually swallowed whole with a glass of water, ideally with food to be gentler on the stomach. Benefits often build up gradually over a few weeks, so it is important not to stop the course early.

• Loose stools or diarrhoea, especially in the first weeks
• Mild stomach discomfort or nausea
• Yellow-tinted urine, which is harmless
• Skin rash or itching in some people
• Rarely, changes in liver tests

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, ongoing bowel disease, or are taking other long-term medicines. It is not usually advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Drink plenty of fluids and report any persistent diarrhoea or yellowing of skin or eyes.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original strip and out of reach of children.