home > drugs a-z list > solaraze (diclofenac sodium) drug center > solaraze (diclofenac sodium) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Flector Patch, Solaraze, Voltaren Topical

Generic Name: diclofenac topical (Pronunciation: dye KLOE fen ak)

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

What is diclofenac topical (Solaraze)?

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

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

Diclofenac topical 1% gel (Voltaren Topical) is used to treat joint pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet caused by osteoarthritis. This medication may not be effective in treating arthritis pain elsewhere in the body.

Diclofenac topical 3% (Solaraze) gel is used to treat warty overgrowths of skin (actinic keratoses) on sun-exposed areas of the body.

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

What are the possible side effects of diclofenac topical (Solaraze)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when diclofenac is applied to the skin, you should be aware of side effects that can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dryness, itching, peeling, or scaling of treated skin; or
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches or other flu symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac topical (Solaraze)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure.

While the risk of absorbing diclofenac topical into your bloodstream is low, all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (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. Do not use diclofenac topical just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine 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 gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are using an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.