Diclofenac Gel (1%)

• If you have an allergy to diclofenac or any other part of diclofenac gel.
• If you have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding or kidney problems.
• If you are having trouble getting pregnant or you are having your fertility checked.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this medicine if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also need to avoid diclofenac gel at other times during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking this medicine during pregnancy.
• If you are taking any other NSAID.
• If you are taking a salicylate drug like aspirin.
• If you are taking pemetrexed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with diclofenac gel.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Use diclofenac gel as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use sunscreen, insect repellant, or other drugs on affected part.
• If putting diclofenac gel on the hand, do not wash your hands for at least 1 hour after putting on.
• Do not use heat or bandages on the treated part.
• Let the drug dry for at least 10 minutes before you cover it with clothes or gloves.
• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 1 hour after putting on.
• Do not use on open wounds or infected skin.
• If you get this medicine in your eyes, wash right away with water. If you have eye irritation that lasts or a change in eyesight, call your doctor.
• This medicine comes with a dosing card. Be sure you know how to use it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about diclofenac gel, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about diclofenac gel. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using diclofenac gel.

Review Date: October 4, 2017