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Chemical Name: Diclofenac topical solution
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Pennsaid Information: How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. The topical solution (a lotion applied to the skin) is used to relieve symptoms such as pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. This medication should be used continuously for no more than three months.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The usual dose of diclofenac topical solution is 40 drops applied to the knee four times daily at evenly spaced time intervals. Apply it only to clean, dry skin.
Squeeze 10 drops of diclofenac topical solution into the hand or directly onto the knee.
Spread the solution evenly around the front, back, and sides of the knee.
Repeat this procedure until 40 drops have been applied and the knee is completely covered.
To treat the other knee, repeat the procedure.
Allow several minutes for the medication to dry.
Wash hands after applying the medication, and avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
Do not apply the medication to infected, abraded, or open skin. Do not use dressings that do not breathe on top of this medication. This medication is for external use only, and should not be taken by mouth. The topical solution should not be used for longer than three months.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Pennsaid® is available as a clear, odourless topical solution containing diclofenac 1.5%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerine, propylene glycol, ethanol, and purified water.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Diclofenac topical solution should not be used by:
anyone who currently has or has recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
people with significant liver impairment or liver disease
people with severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
anyone who is currently taking other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
anyone who is or may be allergic to diclofenac or any of the ingredients of the medication
anyone who has had an allergic reaction to ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications
children
pregnant or breast-feeding women
Pennsaid Side Effects: The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
More common
burning, dry, red, itchy, scaly, thickened, or tingling skin at application site
Less common
acne
back pain
belching
chest pain
heartburn or indigestion
joint pain
lack or loss of strength
loss or thinning of hair
muscle pain or neck pain
nausea
runny nose
stomach upset or pain
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
abnormal burning, pain, or prickling feeling on skin at application site
flu-like syndrome that may include bodyache, headache, and fever with or without chills
itching skin
joint pain
Less common or rare
abnormal burning or prickling feeling
blood in the urine
change in sense of taste
cough
decrease in body movement
dry, itching, or burning eyes
eye pain
headaches, including migraine
high blood pressure
increased sensitivity of eyes to light
infection
nasal congestion
pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
redness or swelling of eyes
shortness of breath
skin rash other than at the application site
sore throat
stomach upset or pain
swelling, increased skin sensitivity, skin rash or skin pain caused by exposure to sun at application site
tightness in chest
troubled breathing
ulcers or sores on skin other than at the application site
wheezing
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Hepatic porphyria: People with hepatic porphyria should use this medication with caution, as it may trigger an attack.
Infection: This medication may mask some of the signs of infection.
Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function may need lower doses and more frequent medical check-ups while using this medication.
Occupational hazards: Some people have reported headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion while taking this medication. Avoid operating motor vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined the effect this medication has on you.
Stomach: Stomach ulcers and bleeding from the stomach have been known to occur when diclofenac is taken by mouth. These complications can occur at any time and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention. Although these reactions have not been seen with diclofenac topical solution, you should seek medical attention right away if you notice any signs of bleeding (such as dark, tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds).
Vision: Other medications in the same family as diclofenac may cause vision changes such as blurred or decreased vision. If you notice vision changes, stop using the medication and check with your doctor.
Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as its safety has not been established.
Breast-feeding: This medication should not be used by nursing mothers.
Children: Diclofenac is not recommended for children. The safety, effectiveness, and dosage of this medication for this age group have not been established.
Seniors: Seniors may have a higher risk of side effects with this medication. Seniors may need lower doses of this medication and more frequent medical check-ups.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
The following medications may affect the way that diclofenac works or increase the risk of side effects:
acetaminophen
ASA
alcohol
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
heparin
other NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, indomethacin)
quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin)
warfarin
Diclofenac may affect the way that the following medications work or increase the risk of side effects:
beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
cyclosporine
digoxin
diuretics (water pills; e.g., spironolactone)
heparin
lithium
methotrexate
medications for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, metformin)
probenecid
warfarin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them
The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.
All prices are in US dollars.ollars.
The content on this page has been supplied to MediSave.ca by an independent third party contracted to provide information for our website. MediSave.ca relies on these third parties to create and maintain this information and cannot guarantee the medical efficacy, accuracy or reliability of the information that has been provided to us. If you require any advice or information about the drugs on this page, a medical condition or treatment advice, you should always speak to a health professional. Please note that not all products, including any referenced in this page, are shipped by our affiliated Canadian Pharmacy. We affiliate with other dispensaries that ship product to our customers from the following jurisdictions: Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Turkey, Mauritius, India, and United Kingdom. The items in your order maybe shipped from any of the above jurisdictions. The products are sourced from various countries as well as those listed above. Rest assured, we only affiliate with our authorized dispensaries that procure product through reliable sources.
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