Indications
- Medication for relieving joint pain from arthritis.
- Diclofenac belongs to the NSAIDs class.
- Consider non-drug treatments and alternative medications for chronic conditions like arthritis.
Dosage and administration
- Read Medication Guide and Patient Instructions before use.
- For skin use only, use dosing card provided to measure dose.
- Apply medication to affected joint as directed, usually 4 times daily.
- Do not apply on cuts, infections, or rashes.
- If reusing dosing card, rinse and dry after each use.
- Wash hands after use, except when treating hands.
- Avoid showering or washing treated areas for at least an hour.
- Wait 10 minutes before covering with gloves or clothing.
- Do not wrap, bandage, or apply heat to treated area.
- Dosage based on medical condition and response.
- Do not exceed daily limits: 16 grams for lower body joints, 8 grams for upper body joints, and total 32 grams per day.
- Discuss risks and benefits with doctor or pharmacist.
- Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration to minimize side effects.
- Do not exceed prescribed dose or apply to unapproved areas.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth; flush with water if contact occurs.
- Contact doctor if irritation persists.
- Up to 2 weeks of regular use may be needed for full benefit.
- “As needed” use works best at first signs of pain.
- Inform doctor if pain persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Skin irritation/redness may occur at the application site.
- Inform doctor or pharmacist if the effect persists or worsens.
- Medication prescribed due to perceived benefits outweighing risks.
- Many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, inform doctor of high results.
- Report serious side effects promptly, including kidney or heart issues.
- Rare risk of serious, possibly fatal liver disease; seek medical help for symptoms.
- Very rare but serious allergic reactions may occur; seek immediate medical help.
- Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not an exhaustive list; contact doctor or pharmacist for other possible side effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor or pharmacist of allergies to diclofenac, aspirin, or NSAIDs.
- Discuss medical history, especially asthma, liver disease, stomach/intestine issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, blood disorders, nasal polyps.
- NSAIDs, including diclofenac, may cause kidney problems; stay hydrated, report urine changes.
- Inform healthcare providers of medication use before surgery or dental procedures.
- Risk of stomach bleeding; limit alcohol, stop smoking; consult doctor on safe alcohol use.
- Medication may increase sensitivity to the sun; limit sun exposure, use protective measures.
- Older adults at higher risk for bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke
- Women of childbearing age should discuss benefits and risks with doctor; inform if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- Avoid use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery; if necessary, use lowest effective dose from 20 to 30 weeks.
- Not recommended after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
- Unknown if diclofenac passes into breast milk; consult doctor before breastfeeding.