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In this Article

• What is diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• What are the possible side effects of diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• How should I use diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Flector Patch)?
• What happens if I overdose (Flector Patch)?
• What should I avoid while using diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• What other drugs will affect diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), aspirin, or another NSAID. Do not use just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

While the risk of absorbing diclofenac topical into your bloodstream is low, all NSAIDs can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID.

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning at any time while you are using an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of serious gastrointestinal side effects.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a history of asthma or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or any NSAID;
• a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• high blood pressure; or
• congestive heart failure.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Diclofenac topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use diclofenac topical (Flector Patch)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication may come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not use diclofenac topical on an open skin wound, or on areas of eczema, infection, skin rash, or burn injury. Wait until the condition has fully healed before using diclofenac topical.

Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage or expose it to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, sauna, or heated water bed. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of drug you absorb through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Wash your hands after applying this medication, unless you are treating the skin on your hands. Do not wear gloves for at least 10 minutes after applying diclofenac topical gel to the hands.

After you apply diclofenac topical gel, wait at least 10 minutes before dressing and at least 1 hour before you bathe or shower.

To treat actinic keratosis (with Solaraze): Apply enough gel to cover each lesion and rub in gently.

Do not apply Solaraze gel more than 2 times daily and never use more than your prescribed dose.

To treat osteoarthritis pain (with Voltaren Topical): This medicine is supplied with dosing cards that show you how much gel to use for a 2-gram dose or a 4-gram dose. Squeeze the gel onto this card along the line for your dose. Use no more gel than will fit on the length of your dosing line. Wipe the card directly onto the treatment area and rub gently into the skin. Each dosing card is for only one use.

Always use a dosing card to measure your Voltaren Topical dose. Fold the card and throw it away in a place where children and pets cannot get to it. A used dosing card will still have a small amount of diclofenac gel on it.

To treat arthritis pain in the foot, spread the gel out onto all areas of the foot including the toes and soles. When treating the hand, spread the gel out onto all areas of the hand including the fingers and palms.

When treating osteoarthritis, keep using any oral medications your doctor has prescribed.

To treat minor pain (with Flector skin patch): 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 wear a skin patch while taking a bath or shower or while swimming.

If the patch falls off, try sticking it back on, or use medical tape to hold it on.

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 diclofenac topical patches out of the reach of children or pets.

If you use diclofenac topical for a long period of time, your liver function may need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store diclofenac topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not take a skin patch out of the patch envelope until you are ready to use it. Reseal the envelope for storage.