Diclofenac delayed-release tablets

What are diclofenac delayed-release tablets?

DICLOFENAC (Voltaren®) is an anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces the joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) and osteoarthritis. Generic diclofenac delayed-release tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma

• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')

• cigarette smoker

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• dental disease

• diabetes

• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day

• heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• porphyria

• stomach or duodenal ulcers

• history of stroke

• systemic lupus erythematosus

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take diclofenac tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Do not crush or chew tablets. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. It is better to take diclofenac with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac?

• alcohol

• alendronate

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cidofovir

• cyclosporine

• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)

• entecavir

• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

• lithium

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines that affect platelets

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'

• methotrexate

• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)

• pemetrexed

• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take diclofenac with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diclofenac affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from diclofenac.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause you to bleed more easily. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

It is especially important not to use diclofenac during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Diclofenac may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac?

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs of bleeding from the stomach - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips

• change in the amount of urine passed

• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• stomach pain or cramps

• swelling of feet or ankles

• yellowing and/or itching of eyes or skin, upper right abdominal/chest tenderness, fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• gas or heartburn

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Diclofenac eoplamine skin patch

What is Diclofenac eoplamine skin patch?

DICLOFENAC (Flector®) is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat pain from sprains, strains, or contusions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• bleeding problems

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• open or infected skin

• stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, polysorbate 80, gelatin, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Only apply the patch to normal, intact skin. Do not apply to damaged skin like wounds or burns. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Apply a new patch at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Wear only one patch at a time.

Tape the edges of the patch to your skin if the patch begins to peel off.

Take the patch off before bathing or showering. Bathe or shower immediately before you need to apply a new patch. Do not get the patch wet.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Diclofenac?

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• diuretics

• lithium

• medicines for blood pressure or heart disease

• methotrexate

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• warfarin

Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your doctor or health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Diclofenac?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not take medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Diclofenac?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

• blurred vision

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• nausea or vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unexplained weight gain or swelling

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• dry skin

• headache

• heartburn

• stomach pain

• tingling at the application site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) in the resealable envelopes. Seal the envelope after removing a patch for use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Throw away any new or used patches in a place that children and pets cannot reach.

Diclofenac extended-release tablets

What are diclofenac extended-release tablets?

DICLOFENAC (Voltaren®-XR) is an anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces the joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, or swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Generic diclofenac extended-release tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma

• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')

• cigarette smoker

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• dental disease

• diabetes

• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day

• heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• porphyria

• stomach or duodenal ulcers

• history of stroke

• systemic lupus erythematosus

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other salicylates, other antiinflammatory drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take diclofenac tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Do not crush or chew tablets. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. Take diclofenac extended-release tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac?

• ACE inhibitors, often used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems

• agents that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin or other 'blood thinners'

• agents that affect platelets

• alcohol

• alendronate

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cyclosporine

• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)

• entecavir

• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

• lithium

• methotrexate

• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)

• pemetrexed

• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take diclofenac with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diclofenac affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from diclofenac.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause you to bleed more easily. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

It is especially important not to use diclofenac during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Diclofenac may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac?

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs of bleeding from the stomach - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips

• change in the amount of urine passed

• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• stomach pain or cramps

• swelling of feet or ankles

• yellowing and/or itching of eyes or skin, upper right abdominal/chest tenderness, fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• gas or heartburn

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Diclofenac eye solution

What is diclofenac eye solution?

DICLOFENAC (Voltaren®) eye solution is an anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces eye inflammation after cataract operation. Generic diclofenac sodium eye solution is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems

• soft contact lens wearer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, other antiinflammatory drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Diclofenac sodium eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac eye solution?

Do not use any other eye products without telling your prescriber or health care professional. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines or non-prescription products.

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac eye solution?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional know if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

If your eyes are more sensitive to light wear sunglasses.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac eye solution?

Side effects with diclofenac sodium eye solution are uncommon.

Local effects in the eye include:

• burning, stinging, itching of the eyes or eyelids

Other possible side effects:

• flu-like symptoms

• increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light

• nausea, vomiting

• unusual bleeding or bruising

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused eye solution after one month.

Diclofenac immediate-release tablets

What are diclofenac immediate-release tablets?

DICLOFENAC (Cataflam®) is an anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces inflammation and eases mild to moderate pain, especially that associated with menstruation. Generic diclofenac immediate-release tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma

• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')

• cigarette smoker

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• dental disease

• diabetes

• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day

• heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• porphyria

• stomach or duodenal ulcers

• history of stroke

• systemic lupus erythematosus

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other salicylates, other antiinflammatory drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take diclofenac tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. It is better to take diclofenac with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac?

• ACE inhibitors, often used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems

• agents that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin or other 'blood thinners'

• agents that affect platelets

• alcohol

• alendronate

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cyclosporine

• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)

• entecavir

• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

• lithium

• methotrexate

• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)

• pemetrexed

• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take diclofenac with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diclofenac affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from diclofenac.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

It is especially important not to use diclofenac during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Diclofenac may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac?

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips

• change in the amount of urine passed

• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• stomach pain or cramps

• yellowing and/or itching of eyes or skin, upper right abdominal/chest tenderness, fatigue

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• gas or heartburn

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Diclofenac skin gel (Solaraze™)

What is diclofenac sodium skin gel?

DICLOFENAC (Solaraze™) is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat actinic keratosis. Generic diclofenac skin gel is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• bleeding problems

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• open or infected skin

• stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, benzyl alcohol, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Diclofenac skin gel is for topical use only. Avoid applying to eyes. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Gently apply enough of the gel to cover the lesion(s). Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with diclofenac skin gel?

• aspirin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

Do not use any other skin products without telling your prescriber or health care professional. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines or non-prescription products.

What should I watch for while taking diclofenac skin gel?

You will need to follow-up with your health care provider to monitor your progress. You may need to be treated for up to 3 months, but maximal effects may not occur until 1 month after stopping treatment. If you develop a severe skin reaction, contact your prescriber or health care professional immediately.

Patients should stay out of the sun and avoid exposure to sunlamps during treatment.

What side effects may I notice from taking diclofenac skin gel?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

• blurred vision

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• nausea or vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unexplained weight gain or swelling

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• dry skin

• headache

• heartburn

• stomach pain

• tingling at the application site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused eye solution after one month.

Diclofenac skin gel (Voltaren® gel)

What is Diclofenac skin gel (Voltaren® gel)?

DICLOFENAC is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The skin gel is used to treat osteoarthritis of certain joints such as the hands or knees.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• bleeding problems

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• open or infected skin

• stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Diclofenac?

• aspirin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

Do not use any other skin products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Diclofenac?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Diclofenac?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

• blurred vision

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• nausea or vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unexplained weight gain or swelling

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• dry skin

• headache

• heartburn

• increased sensitivity to the sun

• stomach pain

• tingling at the application site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.