Diclac (diclofenac sodium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. This medicine does not cure arthritis and will only help you as long as you continue to take it.
This medicine is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine, and other painful conditions such as menstrual cramps.
Diclofenac is also used to treat acute migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. It will not prevent or lessen the number of migraine attacks.
Diclac Gel can be used topically to treat pain and inflammation in:
- Osteoarthritis of superficial joints such as the knee
- Localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism
- Trauma of tendons, ligaments, muscle and joints e.g. due to sprains, strains and bruises.
Directions for use:
- It is important to use the lowest dose which adequately controls your inflammation/pain and for the shortest possible period of time. Review treatment after 14 days. .
- Never exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not take by mouth.
- Be careful not to get the gel into your eyes. If this happens rinse your eyes with clean water and tell your doctor.
- Diclac Gel must be applied to intact skin and not be rubbed into open wounds, cuts or any other area where the skin is abnormal.
- After rubbing the gel into the skin, do not cover with bandages or sticking plaster.
Adults and children 14 years and over
- Diclac Gel should be rubbed gently into the skin around the painful or swollen area.
- Depending on the size of the site to be treated, 2 - 4 g (a circular shaped mass approximately 2.0 - 2.5cm in diameter) should be applied 3 - 4 times daily.
- After application the hands should be washed unless they are the site being treated. You may notice a slight cooling effect when you rub the gel into the skin.
- If the symptoms worsen the patient/parents of the adolescent is/are advised to consult the doctor.
- Older people tend to be more at risk of the side effects of NSAIDs, so it is particularly important that older people use the lowest possible dose of Diclac Gel which is effective.
Warnings:
Do not use Diclac Gel if:
- you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed below)
- you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking medicines to treat inflammation or pain (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid/aspirin, diclofenac or ibuprofen). Reactions may include asthma, runny nose, skin rash, face swelling. If you think you may be allergic, ask your doctor for advice.
- you are an asthmatic
- you have broken or denuded skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor and do not use Diclac Gel. Your doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Diclac if:
- hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) or any other long standing problem of the respiratory system such as nasal polyps or chronic obstructive airways disease
- you have a tendency to develop allergic skin rashes, skin itching or hives
- you have an inflammatory disease called systemic lupus erythematosus or any connective tissue disease
- you have a bleeding disorder, or any other blood problems, including the rare liver condition called porphyria
- you have a peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal inflammation, of which may include blood in your stools or black stools
- you have liver or kidney problems.
Contains:
The active substance is diclofenac sodium.
Each 50g tube of Diclac 5% w/w Gel Contains: 2500mg Diclofenac Sodium.
The other ingredients are alpha-tocopherol (copherol F1300), carbomer (carbopol 980NF), decyl oleate, 2octyldodecanol, lecithin (phospholipon 80), ammonia solution 10%, disodium edetate, perfume oil “verte de crème”, isopropyl alcohol and purified water.
Storage Instructions:
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Keep the tube tightly closed.
