Flector System (Topical)
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Diclofenac topical system (patch) is used in adults to treat pain caused by sprains, strains, or bruising.
Certain brand forms of diclofenac topical system (patch) can be used in children at least 6 years old.
Diclofenac may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Flector System (Topical)?
Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.
You should not use diclofenac if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have or have ever had asthma or a severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing) after taking aspirin or another NSAID.
Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, chapped, irritated, or infected skin due to skin conditions such as eczema, a skin infection, skin rash, burns or wounds.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- stomach problems such as heartburn, ulcers or bleeding;
- any other bleeding problems;
- a habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
- asthma;
- fluid retention; or
- liver or kidney disease.
Do not use diclofenac during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.
It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Flector System (Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Stop using diclofenac and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.
Stop using diclofenac and call your doctor at once if you have:
- any skin rash, no matter how mild;
- flu-like symptoms;
- high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
- kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath; or
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- nausea; or
- itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Flector System (Topical) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not use diclofenac during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.
It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Flector System (Topical)?
Do not wear a patch while taking a bath, shower or while swimming.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Call your doctor if you have eye irritation that lasts longer than 1 hour.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Flector System (Topical)?
Use Flector System (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.
Diclofenac is usually applied once or twice daily. Do not use this medicine more often or longer than directed. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
The patch is for use only on the skin. Do not apply near your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine, including how to safely dispose of any unused portion. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Clean and dry the affected area with soap and water before application. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch.
If the patch does not stick well, you may place medical tape around the edges. You may also use a mesh netting sleeve to hold a patch in place on your skin. Do not cover the patch with a bandage or other covering that does not allow air to pass through.
After removing the patch, throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive side sticks to itself. Keep used and unused patches out of the reach of children or pets. A patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Reseal the storage envelope each time you remove a patch from it.
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.