Basics about Diclofenac sodium topical gel

Life doesn’t stop for arthritis pain. Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, with diclofenac sodium 1%, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain. Diclofenac sodium topical gel 1% is a  topical arthritis pain reliever, this medicated gel penetrates skin at the application site to deliver significant relief within 7 days with 4 times-per-day use. You can apply this gel to hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee for daily treatment of arthritis pain. Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, Diclofenac Sodium 1%, reduces joint pain and inflammation so you can keep going strong.

Ingredients of Diclofenac sodium topical gel

Purpose and Dosage

The main use of Diclofenac sodium topical gel is Arthritis pain reliever. The dosage of this gel from your doctor will depend on several factors like;

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Diclofenac to treat
• your age
• the form of Diclofenac you take
• other medical conditions you may have

Read all instructions about Diclofenac sodium topical gel

Before using topical diclofenac gel you should read the product label to determine if it is right for you. People with certain underlying medical conditions are advised to talk to their doctor before use so it is important to understand if this includes you. It may not be right for you if you already take oral NSAIDs, you have sensitive skin, or you have several affected joints.

There are also several drugs interactions you should consider if you’re considering using OTC diclofenac gel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using diclofenac gel if you are taking any other pain reliever or are planning on taking any other pain reliever, especially prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others).

Uses of Diclofenac sodium topical gel

It is used for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the below areas:

• hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas)
• foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas)

• Always apply diclofenac gel on clean and dry skin.
• Always apply the gel to two joints only e.g. a hand and an elbow, a knee and an ankle or two knees. Use your hands to gently rub the gel into your skin.
• For each upper body area (hand, wrist, or elbow), squeeze out 2.25 inches (2 grams) and apply. For each lower body area (foot, ankle, or knee), squeeze out 4.5 inches (4 grams) and apply.
• Do wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel unless you are using the medication for your hands. If so, do not wash your hands for an hour after application.

This gel may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use

Common side effects of Diclofenac sodium topical gel or Voltaren Gel include:

nausea,
stomach pain,
upset stomach,
diarrhea,
gas,
ulcers, or
itching,
dryness,
redness,
scaling,
numbness and tingling,
cysts,
pimples, or other
skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

Warnings and Precautions of Diclofenac sodium topical gel

Serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke can occur with NSAID treatment. The lowest possible dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel should be used in patients with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease.
NSAIDs, including diclofenac, can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Diclofenac sodium topical gel should be prescribed with caution in those with a prior history of ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.

This product contains diclofenac. Liver damage may occur if you apply more or for a longer time than directed or when using other drugs containing diclofenac.

Stop using diclofenac and ask the doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days or  redness or swelling is present in the painful area or fever occurs; skin irritation occurs; any new symptoms appear.

These could be signs of a serious condition; you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint; have bloody or black stools; vomit blood; have stomach pain that does not get better; you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain; trouble breathing; leg swelling; weakness in one part or side of body; slurred speech.

If any pregnant or breast-feeding face above signs and symptoms, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use this product during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get emergency medical help as soon as possible.

Do not use Diclofenac sodium topical gel

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or to a fever reducer
• for strains, sprains, bruises or sports injuries. This product has not been shown to work for these types of injuries.
• right before or after heart surgery
• on more than 2 body areas at the same time
• in the eyes, nose or mouth

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611002.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20130-diclofenac-topical-solution

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-22221-1065/diclofenac-sodium-topical/diclofenac-1-topical/details