Type of medicine: anti-inflammatory
Generic and brand names: diclofenac sodium, topical; Solaraze
This medicine is a gel that is used on the skin to treat actinic keratosis (a type of skin growth). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. The manufacturer recommends that this medicine should not be used during late pregnancy. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Before and after you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
Do not apply the gel to open wounds or to skin that is irritated, peeling, or infected.
Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it to completely cover the sores. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not cover the area with a bandage. Apply the gel to your skin exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes.
The gel is for external use only. Do not get the medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the gel into your eyes, flush them thoroughly with cool water.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
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.
Taking 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.
This medicine should not be used on children.
Treatment usually lasts 60 to 90 days. Complete healing may take up to 30 days after you stop using the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse.
Avoid exposure to the sun and sunlamps while using this medicine. Exposure to the sun may make your condition worse. When outdoors, wear protective clothing. Do not use sunscreen lotions, cosmetics, or other skin medicines while using this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
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; severe rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Painful or tingling skin; body ache; irregular heartbeat; unexplained swelling; black, tarry stools; fever.
Other: Itchy, dry, or scaly skin; headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping.
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:
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.
