DICLOFENAC SODIUM (Generic for PENNSAID)

DICLOFENAC (dye KLOE fen ak) treats joint pain caused by arthritis. It works by decreasing inflammation. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area.
If you are using Voltaren or Venngel One, they come with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Cidofovir
-Ketorolac
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
-Blood thinners
-Cyclosporine
-Digoxin
-Diuretics
-Lithium
-Medications for blood pressure
-Methotrexate
-Other NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
-Other products used on the skin
-Some medications for depression
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Supplements, such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, while you are using this medication. Side effects, such as upset stomach, nausea, and ulcers, may be more likely to occur. Many over-the-counter medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. It is important to read labels carefully. Talk to your care team about all the medications you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together.
This medication can cause serious bleeding, ulcers, or tears in the stomach. These problems can occur at any time and with no warning signs. They are more common with long-term use. Talk to your care team right away if you have stomach pain, bloody or black, tar-like stools, or vomit blood that is red or looks like coffee grounds.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep treated areas out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. These events can occur at any time. They are more common with long-term use and in those who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your care team. They can help you find an option that works for you.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Using this medication after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious fetal side effects. Use of this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy is not recommended.
This medication may cause infertility. It is usually temporary. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

If you miss a dose, skip it. Use your next dose at the normal time. Do not use extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
-Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
-Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Increase in blood pressure
-Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
-Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
-Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Irritation at application site
-Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.