Diclofenac Topical Gel

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug. It comes in other forms, including oral tablets and capsules, eye drops, powder packets, transdermal patch, and transdermal solution.

Talk to your doctor before taking diclofenac if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. It could make your condition worse.

Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and others.

This topical gel is applied directly to the skin over sore joints.

You can still have side effects like stomach problems or allergies from using the gel since some of it is absorbed into your system.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• FDA warning See Details

• May cause increased blood pressure, puffiness, or water retention

• May affect some of your liver function tests See Details

• May cause allergic reaction See Details

• Wash your hands well after using the gel so you don’t get it in your eyes or transfer it to someone else

What is diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a prescription drug. It is available in these forms: oral (capsules, tablets), eye drops, transdermal gel, transdermal patch, transdermal solution, and powder packets for oral solution.

Diclofenac is available in its generic form. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the generic will work for you.

Why it's used

This topical gel can relieve swollen, painful hands and knees.

How it works

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

More Details

Most Common Side Effects

The most common side effects that occur with diclofenac gel include itching or rash where you apply the gel.

Other common side effects that occur with diclofenac include:

• stomach pain

• constipation

• diarrhea

• gas

• itchy skin. Call your doctor if this is severe. It could be the sign of an allergic reaction.

• heartburn

• nausea

• sleepiness. See how you feel before driving or operating machinery.

• vomiting

Serious Side Effects

If you experience any of these serious side effects, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are potentially life-threatening, or if you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

• symptoms of allergic reaction, including itching, rash, breathing problems, or hives. If you’re allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, you may be allergic to diclofenac.

• symptoms of edema, including swelling of the feet or ankles, increased blood pressure, ringing of the ears, or increased weight

• symptoms of stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding, including very dark stools or blood in your stool

• bruising more easily

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Diclofenac can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. That’s why your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. If you’re curious about how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: You can reduce your chances of drug interactions by having all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way, a pharmacist can check for possible drug interactions.

Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol when taking this drug. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach ulcers from taking diclofenac.

Medications That Might Interact with This Drug

Other NSAIDs

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. (NSAID). Do not combine it with other NSAIDs unless directed by your doctor.

Examples of other NSAIDs are:

• ketorolac
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• aspirin
• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• dexketoprofen

Drugs That Take Long to Clear

Diclofenac reduces pain, but it also affects chemicals that keep your kidneys running efficiently. This effect may make your kidneys take longer to filter out some drugs. This may increase their levels in your body and side effects.

Some of these include:

• anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax)
• captopril, enalapril, and other diuretics that affect potassium
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and other related antibiotics
• enalapril
• cyclosporine
• dagibatran (Pradaxa)
• digoxin
• furosemide
• haloperidol
• hydrocodone
• lithium
• methotrexate
• tacrolimus
• tenofovir
• vancomycin and other aminoglycosides (hospital IV antibiotics)

Other Drugs

Other drugs may increase the levels of diclofenac in your body.

Some of these include:

• enalapril or captopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme  inhibitors)
• losartan (Diovan) or other angiotensin II receptor blockers
• cyclosporine
• glucosamine
• omega-3 fatty acids
• some antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• vitamin E

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Diclofenac Warnings

People with high blood pressure or water retention

If you have high blood pressure or water retention, tell your doctor before taking diclofenac. Your heart may already be working hard and adding an NSAID can increase this workload.

People with ulcer or digestive bleeding

If you’ve had an ulcer or bleeding from your digestive system, ask your doctor before taking diclofenac. You’re at increased risk for another bleed.

People with a history of smoking, alcohol use

Smokers and those who drink alcohol regularly have an increased risk of ulcer from NSAIDs like diclofenac.

People with kidney disease, diuretics

If you have kidney disease or take diuretics (water pills), there’s a risk this drug can affect your kidneys’ ability to remove excess water from your body. Ask your doctor is diclofenac is the right drug for you.

People with asthma with aspirin reaction

If you have asthma and you react to aspirin, you could have a bad reaction to diclofenac. Talk to your doctor before taking the drug.

Pregnant women

Pregnancy category C/Pregnancy category D after 30 weeks of pregnancy

Diclofenac is a category D pregnancy drug after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Category D means two things:

1. Studies show a risk of adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. The benefits of taking atenolol during pregnancy may outweigh the potential risks in certain cases.

With diclofenac, babies of women who have reached 30 weeks of pregnancy have had side effects from the drug, and there is an increased risk of miscarriage. Do not take diclofenac if you’re pregnant, unless your doctor advises you to.

Until the 30th week, diclofenac is a category C drug. That means that studies have shown that diclofenac can be a risk to the offspring of lab animals. However, not enough studies have been done to show risk in humans.

Women who are nursing

This drug passes into the breast milk, which means it can pass to a nursing child. This may lead to toxic effects for the child.

Breastfeeding isn’t recommended if you’re taking diclofenac.

For Seniors

Seniors are at higher risk for stomach problems, bleeding, water retention, and other side effects from diclofenac.

Seniors may also have kidneys that aren’t working at peak levels, so the drug can build up and cause more side effects.

For Children

Keep away from children and pets. They could experience stomach pain or even bleeding from accidental consumption of this drug.

Contact with drug

Diclofenac gel can transfer to others. Make sure the gel has dried before you touch anyone else.

When to call the doctor

If your pain doesn’t improve, or if the swelling, redness, and stiffness of your joint(s) don’t improve, call your doctor. The drug may not be working for you.

Allergies

If you have an allergy to aspirin or other similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, you could have an allergic reaction to diclofenac. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of:

• wheezing
• trouble breathing
• hives
• itchy rash

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on: 

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

What Are You Taking This Medication For?

Osteoarthritis pain in joints that can be treated topically, such knees and hand joints

Brand: Solaraze

Form: Transdermal gel Strengths: 3% transdermal diclofenac sodium gel, 100 g

Generic

Form: Transdermal gel Strengths: 3% transdermal diclofenac sodium gel, 100 g

Brand: Voltaren

Form: Transdermal gel Strengths: 1% transdermal diclofenac sodium gel, 100 g

Generic

Form: Transdermal gel Strengths: 1% transdermal diclofenac sodium gel, 100 g Adult Dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Diclofenac gel is usually used several times per day.

Child Dosage (ages 0-17 years)

Dosage for people younger than 18 years has not been established.

Special Considerations

Seniors: If you are aged 65 years and older, your body may process this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be toxic.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Important Considerations for Taking Diclofenac

Always take diclofenac with food

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Prescription is not refillable

Self-Management

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Clinical Monitoring

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Sun Sensitivity

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This product may not be available at every pharmacy

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Insurance

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Are There Any Alternatives?