Diclofenac transdermal

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

Diclofenac transdermal (skin patch) is used to treat pain caused by minor sprains, strains, or bruising.

Diclofenac transdermal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diclofenac 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 using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

To make sure diclofenac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease;

• fluid retention.

Using diclofenac transdermal during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether diclofenac transdermal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Diclofenac transdermal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Using extra skin patches will not make the medicine more effective, and could cause dangerous side effects.

Apply the skin patch directly to the area of pain. The skin patch can be worn for up to 12 hours and then removed. Apply a new patch at that time if pain continues.

Do not apply diclofenac transdermal on an open skin wound, or on areas of eczema, infection, skin rash, or burn injury.

Wash your hands after applying or removing a skin patch.

If the patch does not stick well, you may place medical tape around the edges. You may also use a mesh netting sleeve to hold a patch in place on your skin. Do not cover the patch with a bandage or other covering that does not allow air to pass through.

After removing a skin patch fold it in half, sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where children or pets cannot get to it. Keep both used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Reseal the storage envelope each time you remove a patch from it.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Apply a skin patch as soon as you remember, and wear it for 12 hours before applying a new one. Do not use extra patches to make up the missed dose. Do not wear a diclofenac skin patch for longer than 12 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Actinic Keratosis:

3% Gel:
-Apply an amount sufficient to cover each lesion twice a day and rub in gently
-Duration of therapy: 60 to 90 days; complete healing of lesions may not be evident for up to 30 days following cessation of therapy

Comments:
-Normally, 0.5 g is used on each 5 cm x 5 cm lesion site.
-Lesions that do not respond to therapy should be carefully reevaluated and management reconsidered.
-Sun exposure should be avoided during therapy.

Use: For the topical treatment of actinic keratosis

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

1% Gel:
Lower Extremities: Apply 4 g to the affected foot, knee, or ankle 4 times a day and rub in gently; not to exceed 16 g/day to any single joint of the lower extremities

Upper Extremities: Apply 2 g to the affected hand, wrist, or elbow 4 times a day and rub in gently; not to exceed 8 g/day to any single joint of the upper extremities

Maximum dose: 32 g/day over all affected joints

Comments:
-When used on the lower extremities, this drug should be applied to the entire affected foot, knee, or ankle; the entire foot includes the sole, the top of the foot, and the toes.
-When used on the upper extremities, apply to the entire affected hand, wrist, or elbow; the entire hand includes the palm, the back of the hands, and the fingers.
-The accompanying dosing card should be used for application; consult manufacturer product information for instructions.

Use: For the relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the joints amenable to topical treatment, such as the knees and those of the hands; this drug has not been evaluated for use on the spine, hip, or shoulder

1.5% Topical Solution: Apply 40 drops to each affected knee 4 times a day

2% Topical Solution: Apply 40 mg (2 pump actuations) to each affected knee 2 times a day

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s)

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

1.3% Topical Patch:
-Apply 1 patch to the most painful area twice a day

Use: For the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions