Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal 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. Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) should not be used for more than 3 months.

Your doctor may have suggested Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual adult dose of diclofenac topical solution is 40 drops applied to the knee 4 times daily at evenly spaced time intervals, or 50 drops applied to the knee 3 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 (if you are using it 4 times daily) or 50 drops (if you are using it 3 times daily) 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 your 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 Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is for external use only and should not be taken by mouth. It should not be used for longer than 3 months.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as 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 using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning, dry, red, itchy, scaly, thickened, or tingling skin at site of application
• heartburn or indigestion
• nausea or stomach upset

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal burning, pain, or prickling feeling on skin
• bad breath, garlic breath, or an unusual body odour
• high blood pressure
• rash, ulcers, or sores on skin outside of the application site
• redness or swelling of eyes
• signs of a liver problem (e.g., yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or itchy skin)
• signs of a sinus infection (e.g., pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones)
• signs of a urinary tract or bladder infection (e.g., pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine)
• stomach pain
• wheezing

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• eye pain
• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
• signs of stomach bleeding (e.g., dark tarry stools, blood in the stools, vomiting or coughing up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
• swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles

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 Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical).

Each mL of clear odourless liquid contains Diclofenac Sodium 1.5% w/w in a solution base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerine, propylene glycol, ethanol, and purified water.

Diclofenac topical solution should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to diclofenac or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is a child
• is currently taking other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• is pregnant or breast-feeding
• currently has or has recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestines, such as a stomach or intestinal ulcer or Ulcerative Colitis
• has had an allergic reaction to Asa or other anti-inflammatory medications
• has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• has significant liver impairment or liver disease

There may be an interaction between diclofenac and any of the following:

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. 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 Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications 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.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical).

Asthma: People who have or have had asthma should discuss with their doctor how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have any unusual difficulty breathing while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), contact your doctor immediately.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Some people have reported headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Avoid operating motor vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) affects you.

Hepatic porphyria: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may trigger an attack in people with a liver condition known as hepatic porphyria. People with this condition should discuss with their doctor how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may mask some of the signs of infection, such as Fever.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function may need lower doses and more frequent medical checkups while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical).

Liver function: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may cause liver problems. If you have a liver condition, you may need more frequent checkups with your doctor. If you develop signs of a liver problem (such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or itchy skin), stop taking the medication and see your doctor as soon as possible.

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 known to occur with diclofenac topical solution, you should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any signs of bleeding (such as dark, tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds).

Sun sensitivity: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. While you are using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), avoid excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds and sun lamps. If you experience Sunburn with itching, swelling, and blistering, stop using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) and contact your doctor.

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: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), stop using it immediately and call your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if diclofenac topical solution passes into breast milk. Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is not recommended for breast-feeding women.

Children: Diclofenac topical solution should not be used by children.

Seniors: Seniors may have a higher risk of side effects with Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Seniors may need lower doses of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) and more frequent medical checkups.