Diclofenac (On the skin)

dye-KLOE-fen-ak

Treats actinic keratoses. Also treats pain and swelling caused by arthritis. This is an NSAID.

Drug classes

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and other symptoms of arthritis of the joints (eg, osteoarthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, this medicine does not cure osteoarthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to use it.

Diclofenac topical 3% gel is also used to treat actinic keratosis, a skin problem that may become cancerous if not treated. The exact way that topical diclofenac helps this condition is unknown.

Diclofenac topical solution is used to treat pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis of the knees.

Diclofenac topical patch is used to treat acute pain caused by minor strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises).

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Gel/Jelly, Liquid

Use your medicine as directed. There are several brands of this medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the brand you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

The Voltaren® gel comes with a dosing card to measure the correct dose. If you do not receive or misplace your dosing card, call your pharmacist to ask for a new one.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

Do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 30 minutes after you apply Pennsaid® or Solaraze® or 1 hour after you apply Voltaren®.

Wait until the medicine dries before you cover the treated skin with gloves or clothing. Do not let the treated skin touch any other person’s skin until the medicine is completely dry.

Do not use external heat or bandages on the treated skin or joint.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how diclofenac works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Acetaminophen, cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate Another NSAID medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen) Blood thinner (such as warfarin) Blood pressure medicine A diuretic (water pill) Steroids (hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone)

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. You may use sunscreen, insect repellant, lotion, or other topical medicines after using Pennsaid®. However, wait until the medicine is completely dry before you apply anything else.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, or another NSAID medicine.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not safe to use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, other heart or circulation problems, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Higher risk of blood clot, heart attack, or stroke Bleeding in your stomach or intestines Liver problems Kidney problems Serious skin reactions

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Change in how much or how often you urinate

Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, faintness

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry, flaky, or scaly skin

Mild skin rash, itching, or redness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

DermacinRx Lexitral PharmaPak, Flector, Pennsaid, Rexaphenac, Solaraze, Voltaren, Voltaren Gel, Xrylix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.