Type of medicine: analgesic; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Generic and brand names: diclofenac, topical; Voltaren Gel; Pennsaid
This medicine is a painkiller that is used on the skin to treat osteoarthritis.
Before you take this medicine, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you take steroids such as prednisone or medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin). Also tell your provider if you have recently had heart surgery or are scheduled for surgery.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. The manufacturer recommends that this medicine should not be used during late pregnancy. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly. Using too much medicine may lead to harmful side effects. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose.
If you have the gel:
If you have the solution:
Do not shower or bathe for at least 1 hour after putting this medicine on your skin.
Wait until the skin is completely dry before covering the treated skin with clothing.
Keep this medicine away from your eyes. If some of the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water.
Do not use heating pads or put bandages on skin where you have applied the medicine. Avoid exposing skin where you apply the medicine to sunlight and artificial light, such as tanning booths. Do not use sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, or insect repellants on the area where you apply this medicine.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Warning: Occasionally, this medicine may cause bleeding, ulcers, or perforation of the stomach or intestines. These problems may occur without warning symptoms. Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. If you have abdominal pain, a black tarry stool, or a bloody stool, stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away.
Using this medicine for a long time may make it more likely that you will have a heart attack or stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine should not be used right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may cause an allergic reaction in people who have asthma or who have had allergic reactions to aspirin or other painkillers. If you develop hives, itching, a rash, tightness in your chest, or trouble breathing, stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.
Do not take other pain relievers or drink alcohol while you are using this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. They may increase the risk of stomach upset.
You may have swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands while taking this medicine. If this becomes bothersome, contact your healthcare provider.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Confusion; feeling faint; mouth or lip sores; hearing problems or ringing in your ears; vision changes; yellowing of your skin or eyes; bloody or black tarry stools; severe vomiting; blisters; swelling in ankles, feet, or hands.
Other: Redness and swelling at the site of application (which usually goes away in a short time), fever muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, gas, headache, dizziness, constipation
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Also, do not take other painkillers while you are taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
