Uses of Diclofenac Gel:

• It is used to treat arthritis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Diclofenac Gel?

• If you have an allergy to diclofenac or any other part of diclofenac gel (1%).
• If you have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs.
• If you are allergic to diclofenac gel (1%); any part of diclofenac gel (1%); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had asthma caused by a salicylate drug like aspirin or a drug like this one like NSAIDs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Dehydration, GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding, heart failure (weak heart), kidney disease, or liver disease.
• If you have had a recent heart attack.
• If you are having trouble getting pregnant or you are having your fertility checked.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take diclofenac gel (1%) if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also need to avoid diclofenac gel (1%) at other times during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking diclofenac gel (1%) during pregnancy.
• If you are taking any other NSAID.
• If you are taking a salicylate drug like aspirin.
• If you are taking pemetrexed.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with diclofenac gel (1%).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take diclofenac gel (1%) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Diclofenac Gel?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take diclofenac gel (1%). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
• If you have asthma, talk with your doctor. You may be more sensitive to diclofenac gel (1%).
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Do not use on skin that has any problems.
• Do not use more than told. Unsafe side effects may happen.
• Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
• Avoid sunlight on treated area.
• The chance of heart failure is raised with the use of drugs like this one. In people who already have heart failure, the chance of heart attack, having to go to the hospital for heart failure, and death is raised. Talk with the doctor.
• The chance of heart attack and heart-related death is raised in people taking drugs like this one after a recent heart attack. People taking drugs like this one after a first heart attack were also more likely to die in the year after the heart attack compared with people not taking drugs like this one. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are taking aspirin to help prevent a heart attack, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If diclofenac gel (1%) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• This medicine is not approved for use in children. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use diclofenac gel (1%) with care. You could have more side effects.
• NSAIDs like diclofenac gel (1%) may affect egg release (ovulation) in women. This may cause you to not be able to get pregnant. This goes back to normal when diclofenac gel (1%) is stopped. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking diclofenac gel (1%), call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Diclofenac Gel) best taken?

Use diclofenac gel (1%) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take diclofenac gel (1%) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• If you get diclofenac gel (1%) in your eyes, wash right away with water. If you have eye irritation that lasts or a change in eyesight, call your doctor.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use sunscreen, insect repellant, or other drugs on affected part.
• If putting diclofenac gel (1%) on the hand, do not wash your hands for at least 1 hour after putting on.
• Do not use heat or bandages on the treated part.
• Let the drug dry for at least 10 minutes before you cover it with clothes or gloves.
• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 1 hour after putting on.
• Do not use on open wounds or infected skin.
• This medicine comes with a dosing card. Be sure you know how to use it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.