Diclofenac (Topical Route)

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Proper Use

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.

Diclofenac may cause redness, soreness, scaling, and peeling of the affected skin. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. If the reaction is very uncomfortable, check with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

To use the topical gel:

• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin.
• Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
• Do not use heating pads or cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.
• Do not use cosmetics (e.g., makeup or sunscreens) or other skin care products on the same skin areas where you have applied this medicine.
• After applying this medicine, do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least one hour.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with gloves or clothing.

To use the skin patch:

• Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if applied correctly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch. Do not touch your eyes until after you have washed your hands. If it gets into your eyes, wash the eyes right away with water or saline. If eye irritation persists for more than one hour, call your doctor.
• Apply the patch right away after removing it from the protective pouch. Do not cut it into smaller pieces and do not touch the sticky surface of the patch.
• Apply the patch to a clean, dry, intact skin area. Choose an area with little or no hair and free of scars, cuts, or irritation. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
• Press the patch firmly in place with your fingertips to make sure that the edges of the patch stick well. If the patch begins to peel off, the edges of the patch may be taped down.
• If the patch still peels off, it may be used with a mesh netting sleeve (e.g., Curad® Hold Tite™, Surgilast® Tubular Elastic Dressing) to hold the patch applied to the ankles, knees, or elbows. The mesh netting sleeve must not be occlusive and must allow air to pass through.
• Do not use the patch when you take a bath or shower.

To help you remember to use your medicine, try to get into the habit of using it at regular times. If you are using the transdermal system (skin patch), try to change it at the same time and day of the week.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For actinic keratosis:
    • Adults—Apply to affected skin area two times per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists:
    • Adults—Apply 2 grams to the affected skin areas four times per day (a total of 8 grams each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 grams per day over all affected joints.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet:
    • Adults—Apply 4 grams to the affected skin areas four times per day (a total of 16 grams each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 grams per day over all affected joints.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For transdermal dosage form (skin patch):
  • For acute pain:
    • Adults—One patch applied to the painful area two times per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

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

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

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