When we have pain in our joints like knees, elbows, and wrists, we often apply a pain-relieving gel. You probably do the same. A very popular medicine used in this way is Diclofenac Gel. But this is not just a cream, this is a medicine. So there are a few things we need to know and be careful about when using this. Let's talk about it today.
What is Diclofenac Gel?
Simply put, this is a medicine used to treat joint pain and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) . This class of drugs works by controlling chemicals in our body that cause pain and inflammation. You may have seen it under brand names like ``Voltaren Gel``. Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is very important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. You should especially tell him if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation / Habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to another NSAID such as Diclofenac, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or another medicine, food, or dye. |
| Heart disease and blood vessel problems | If you have previously had a heart attack, stroke, mini-stroke, or conditions such as high blood pressure or heart failure. |
| Recent surgeries | If you have had heart bypass surgery (CABG) within the last 2 weeks. |
| Stomach and intestinal problems | If you have stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or other stomach diseases. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, or dehydration. |
| Skin problems | If you have burns, damaged skin, or other skin conditions. |
| Habits and other matters | If you drink alcohol frequently or smoke. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is very simple, but it's important to do it right.
- This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying the medicine. Do not wash your hands after applying the medicine.
- Do not let it get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Just like the doctor said, use it at the right time, in the right amount. Don't use too much.
- When applying the medicine, it should be applied as a thin film to the painful area. You don't need to apply a lot.
- Do not stop using the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take the next dose as usual. Do not double up on the missed dose.
What if it is used too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Although Diclofenac Gel is a topical medication, it is absorbed into the body through the skin. Therefore, it may interact with some other medications you may be taking.
| Do not use Diclofenac Gel with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Tell your doctor if you are using these. | |
| Aspirin and other similar medications | Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin) |
| Other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen | Medication for high blood pressure |
| Steroids like Prednisone and Cortisone | Lithium, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Digoxin |
| Some medications for depression | Other products applied to the skin |
| Alcohol | Supplements like garlic, ginger, and ginkgo |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or supplement you are taking.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
Although this is a topical medication, it can have serious side effects. So be aware of these things.
When using Diclofenac Gel, do not take other pain relievers (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen without consulting your doctor. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
- Risk of stomach bleeding: This medicine can cause bleeding, ulceration, or perforation of the stomach or intestines. This can happen at any time without warning . Seek immediate medical attention if you have stomach pain, black tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds .
- Heart attack and stroke risk: Long-term use of this medicine may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital immediately.
- Serious skin reactions: Some people may develop a serious skin reaction even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a red rash, blisters, or peeling skin along with fever and body aches .
- During pregnancy: Be especially careful if you are pregnant. Using this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. It is not recommended at all after 30 weeks.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, Diclofenac Gel can cause some side effects.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, black, tarry stools, red/dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Kidney or liver problems | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Where to apply medicine | Slight inflammation, redness, or itching of the skin at the application site. |
How do you properly store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate (freeze) . Keep away from excessive heat.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- When getting rid of expired or unwanted medications, if possible, donate them to a drug take-back program. If not, remove the medication from the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a sealed bag, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Diclofenac Gel is a medicine that is only meant to be applied to the skin. Never take it by mouth.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- While using the medicine, be aware of serious symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, and chest pain. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take other painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin with this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Always use the medicine only in the amount and for the duration prescribed by the doctor.
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