The diclofenac patch is a prescription pain medicine used to treat acute pain caused by sprains and strains. This eMedTV segment further explains what the patches are used for, how the drug works, and what side effects may occur with treatment.
Headache, heartburn, and nausea are some of the common side effects of the diclofenac patch. This eMedTV page lists other possible side effects, including potentially serious problems that should be reported to your doctor right away.
The diclofenac patch is licensed to treat short-term pain caused by bruises, strains, and sprains. This eMedTV resource discusses the uses of the diclofenac patch in more detail (including possible off-label uses) and explains how this drug works.
The standard dosage of the diclofenac patch is one patch applied to the most painful area every 12 hours. This eMedTV Web page contains more detailed dosing guidelines, including tips on how to use the skin patch.
Various medications and skin products (such as cosmetics or lotions) may interfere with diclofenac patches. This eMedTV resource lists some of the medications that may cause potentially dangerous diclofenac patch drug interactions.
Diclofenac patches may cause congestive heart failure or fluid retention. This eMedTV article offers other precautions and warnings with the diclofenac patch, including more information on what side effects or complications may occur with this drug.
