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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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In the U.S.—
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Diclofenac (di-KLO-fen-ack) belongs to the family of medicines called antineoplastics. Antineoplastics are used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells.
When applied to the skin, diclofenac is used to treat actinic keratosis, a skin problem that may be cancer or may become cancerous if not treated. The exact way that topical diclofenac helps this condition is unknown.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical diclofenac, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Diclofenac should not be used late in pregnancy because there is a chance that it could cause birth defects. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether diclofenac passes into breast milk. However, diclofenac is not recommended for use during breast-feeding because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.
Children— Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of diclofenac on the skin in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults— Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of diclofenac on the skin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using diclofenac on the skin, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:
Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
Diclofenac may cause redness, soreness, scaling, and peeling of the affected skin. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. If the reaction is very uncomfortable, check with your doctor.
Apply this medicine very carefully, and avoid getting any in your eyes. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin.
Dosing—
The dose of diclofenac will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of diclofenac. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of gel that you use depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking diclofenac
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the amount of medicine you use.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
If your symptoms become worse, check with your doctor.
While using this medicine, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than usual, and too much sunlight may increase the effects of the medicine. During this period of time:
Along with it's needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with you doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |