Diclofenac Medicated Patch (DICLOFENAC - TRANSDERMAL)

Instructions

DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Remove the patch after 12 hours.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

This patch should not be cut.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Remove old patch before applying new one. Change the location of the new patch.

Remove the plastic liner that protects the sticky side of the patch before applying to the skin.

Be sure the area of skin is clean and dry before putting on a new patch.

Apply the patch only to normal looking skin. Avoid skin that is red, scraped, or damaged.

Press the patch firmly for a few seconds to make sure it stays in place.

If the edges of the patch begin to peel up you may tape the edges down with first aid tape. Do not cover the entire patch.

After removing the patch, fold it together and discard it out of reach of children and pets.

Do not dispose of a used patch by flushing it into the toilet.

Avoid getting the medicine in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands after touching patch.

If the patch causes a feeling of burning or pain at the location of the patch, remove the patch until the feeling goes away.

If the skin under the patch becomes irritated, remove the patch. Do not apply a new patch to the area until the skin feels better.

Do not apply heat on the area with the patch. Avoid heating blankets, suntan beds, or hot tubs.

Do not bathe, swim or shower while wearing the patch.

Clothing may be worn over the patch.

Avoid prolonged or excessive sunlight exposure. Use sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or higher.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may stop using this medicine if you no longer have symptoms.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Do NOT take aspirin or other NSAID medicines while using this medicine. Please speak with your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications if you need help.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• burning or stinging
• high blood pressure
• itching
• skin irritation where medicine is applied
• vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest or jaw pain
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• shortness of breath
• blistering or peeling of the skin
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• excessive or unusual sweating
• swelling in the neck or throat
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.