Diclofenac Gel

Drug Name

Drug Uses

Diclofenac Gel is a topical NSAID cream that is used to cure the inflammation and pain caused by certain conditions (knee and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis).

How it is taken

Please read the instructions on the product label. Use the dosing card provided with the medication to measure your dosage. Do not apply the GEL on open wounds or bruises. Gently massage the GEL on the affected area and do not cover it with anything including clothes for at least 10 minutes. Dispose the dosing card after use. Wash your hands after use. Do not cover the area or apply heat.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Diclofenac is a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug that works by reducing the production of certain hormones that cause inflammation in the body.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Diclofenac, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Diclofenac Gel may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

The GEL is for external use only. Avoid exposure to your eyes, nose and mouth. If exposed, rinse immediately with cool water.

Do not use aspirin, sunscreens, lotions, insect repellants, or other topical medicines on the affected area that has been treated with the GEL, or expose the area to sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.

Some patients develop serious stomach ulcers or bleeding with the use of Diclofenac Gel. Using it in high doses, for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects.

If you develop severe stomach or back pain, black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds, or unusual weight gain or swelling, contact your doctor or emergency room right away.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen), have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery, have severe kidney problems, are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Diclofenac Gel and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs (NSAIDs) can interact with Diclofenac Gel and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether Diclofenac GEL is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Periodic lab tests including kidney function, complete blood counts, and blood pressure may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effect of Diclofenac Gel is mild irritation at the application site. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody or black, tarry stools, change in the amount of urine produced, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, depression, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, mental or mood changes, numbness of an arm or leg, one-sided weakness, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe or persistent irritation at the application site, severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea, severe vomiting, shortness of breath, sudden or unexplained weight gain, swelling of hands, legs, or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual joint or muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision or speech changes, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

Diclofenac Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.