What Is the Diclofenac Patch?
The
diclofenac patch (Flector
® Patch) is a prescription medication approved to treat short-term pain caused by sprains, strains, and bruises.
As with any medicine, the diclofenac patch may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common diclofenac patch side effects include:
- Itching
- Skin reactions at the application site
- Nausea.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using the
diclofenac patch if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Does the Diclofenac Patch Work?
The diclofenac patch contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (
NSAID). Like other NSAIDs, it works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body. However, because it works mostly where it is applied (only a small fraction of the medication actually reaches the rest of the body), the diclofenac patch helps to lower the exposure to the rest of the body (which may decrease the risk of dangerous side effects).
Clinical Effects of the Diclofenac Patch
This medication has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies compared the
diclofenac patch to a placebo (a patch with no active ingredients). These studies showed that the diclofenac patch was significantly better than the placebo for relieving short-term pain of sprains, strains, and bruises.
Some general considerations include the following:
- The diclofenac patch is usually applied to the skin twice a day.
- Apply the patch to clean, dry, unbroken skin. Wash the skin with soap and water before application.
- Do not swim or bathe while wearing the patch.
- Do not use lotions, cosmetics, or any other products on the skin where you apply the patch. This may cause the patch to fall off or might interfere with the absorption of the medication.
- Wash your hands after applying the patch.
- If the diclofenac patch appears to be coming loose, you may tape down the edges of the patch to the skin.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this medication, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Diclofenac Patch Drug Interactions
At this time, no overdoses with this medication have been reported. Serious effects are most likely to occur if an overdose of this medication is accidentally ingested by mouth, rather than applied to the skin.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Diclofenac Patch?
If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember (remove the old patch and apply a new one). Just be sure to wait a full hour before the next dose. In any case, do not take a double dose.
The
diclofenac patch should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets. After removing a patch, fold it in half and carefully dispose of it (out of the reach of children and pets).
Is There a Generic Version of the Diclofenac Patch?
Currently, diclofenac patches are not available in generic form.
The diclofenac patch is made by Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd. and is distributed by Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Diclofenac patch comes in one strength -- 1.3 percent. Each patch is 10 by 14 centimeters in size.
