Diclofenac helps relieve pain and reduces inflammation associated with conditions affecting the joints or muscles (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle strain or sprain, epicondylitis, bruises).
This medicine may also be used to treat actinic keratosis (a condition characterised by the formation of patches on the skin due to sun exposure).
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Diclofenac topical is available as a gel or solution. This medicine is to be applied to the skin. It will be delivered into the body through the skin.
To apply Diclofenac topical gel, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Squeeze out the specified amount of gel from the container.
- Apply to clean, dry and intact skin of the affected area.
- Allow the gel to dry.
- Wash and dry your hands after each application.
To apply Diclofenac topical solution, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- If needed, prime the pump first by fully pressing its head down 4 times. After priming, the pump is now ready to use.
- Hold the pump in one hand and place your other hand under the spout to collect the solution.
- Press the pump firmly and fully. Apply to clean, dry and intact skin of the affected area.
- Allow it to dry.
- Wash and dry your hands after each application.
Avoid any contact of this medicine with your eyes. Rinse it immediately with water if the medicine gets into your eyes. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyesight.
Avoid showering or bathing after applying the medicine.
Do not bandage, cover or wrap the affected area after applying Diclofenac unless instructed by the doctor.
Avoid excessive exposure of the affected area to sunlight.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT use more than what is instructed by your doctor to make up for a missed dose.
Do not use Diclofenac if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Alert your doctor if you are to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).
Do not use Diclofenac if you are on the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active or history of stomach or bowel ulcer or bleeding
- risks of having heart problems e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, smoking
- heart failure
- blood or bleeding problems
- asthma
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid application or contact of this medicine to the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your eyes, mouth and nose. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
Avoid excessive exposure of the affected area to sunlight.
Do not switch between different brands or dosage forms unless advised by your doctor.
Diclofenac may cause any of the following side effects: application site reactions such as rashes, itchiness, or dryness of the skin.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines for pain or inflammation e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from heat.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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