Important: Use the dosing card that is inside the diclofenac sodium topical gel carton to correctly measure each dose. The dosing card is re-usable. Do not throw the dosing card away. Before you use diclofenac sodium topical gel for the first time, your healthcare provider or pharmacist should show you how to correctly measure your dose using the dosing card.
Read this Instructions for Use before you start using diclofenac sodium topical gel and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Your healthcare provider has prescribed diclofenac sodium topical gel to help relieve arthritis pain in some of your joints. Diclofenac sodium topical gel may be used to treat arthritis pain in the arms (hands, wrists, and elbows) and in the legs (feet, ankles, and knees). It is not known if diclofenac sodium topical gel is safe and effective if used on your spine, hips, or shoulders.
Use diclofenac sodium topical gel exactly how your healthcare provider prescribes it for you. Do not apply diclofenac sodium topical gel anywhere other than where your healthcare provider tells you to.
Do not use more than a total of 32 grams of diclofenac sodium topical gel each day. If you add up the amount of diclofenac sodium topical gel as directed by your healthcare provider, it should not be more than 32 grams in one day.
The dose for your hands, wrists, or elbows is 2 grams of diclofenac sodium topical gel each time you apply it.
Apply diclofenac sodium topical gel 4 times a day (a total of 8 grams each day). Do not apply more than 8 grams each day to any one of your affected hands, wrists, or elbows.
Some examples of diclofenac sodium topical gel application include:
If you use 2 grams of diclofenac sodium topical gel on one hand, 4 times a day, your total dose for one day is 8 grams.
If you use 4 grams of diclofenac sodium topical gel on one knee, 4 times a day, your total dose for one day is 16 grams.
Your total dose for one day, treating one hand and one knee, is 8 grams plus 16 grams, which equals 24 grams of diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Before you use a new tube of diclofenac sodium topical gel for the first time, open the foil seal that covers the tube opening by using the spiked top of the cap. Remember to remove the dosing card from the carton to measure your dose (see Figure A).
Apply diclofenac sodium topical gel to clean, dry skin that does not have any cuts, open wounds, infections, or rashes.
Do not use heating pads or apply bandages to where you have applied diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Avoid exposing skin where you apply diclofenac sodium topical gel to sunlight and artificial light, such as tanning booths.
Do not use sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellants, or other topical medicines on the same skin areas where you have applied diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Do not get diclofenac sodium topical gel in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Diclofenac sodium topical gel is only to be used on your skin (topical use). If you get diclofenac sodium topical gel in your eyes, rinse your eyes right away with water or saline. Talk with your healthcare provider if eye irritation lasts for more than one hour.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel, continue with your next scheduled dose using the prescribed amount of diclofenac sodium topical gel. Do not double the dose.
Applying 2 grams (2 g) of diclofenac sodium topical gel to hands, wrists, or elbows:
Step 1. Remove the dosing card that is attached inside the diclofenac sodium topical gel carton. Use the dosing card to correctly measure each dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel. To measure the correct amount of diclofenac sodium topical gel, place the dosing card on a flat surface so that you can read the print. If the print is backwards, flip dosing card over (see Figure A). If you lose or misplace your dosing card, you can ask your pharmacist for a new one or call 1-866-604-3268. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to show you how to correctly measure your dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel while you are waiting to receive your new dosing card.
Step 2. Squeeze diclofenac sodium topical gel onto the dosing card evenly, up to the 2 g line (a 2.25 inch length of gel). Make sure that the gel covers the 2 g area of the dosing card (see Figure B). Put the cap back on the tube of diclofenac sodium topical gel. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure how to correctly measure your dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Step 3. Apply the gel to your hand, wrist, or elbow. You can use the dosing card to apply the gel (see Figure C). Then, use your hands to gently rub the gel into the skin (see Figure D). Do not share your dosing card with another person. Make sure to cover the entire affected hand, wrist, or elbow with the gel. Remember that the hand includes the palm of your hand, the top of your hand, and your fingers.
Step 4. After using the dosing card, hold end with fingertips, rinse and dry. Store the dosing card until next use. Do not shower or bathe for at least 1 hour after applying diclofenac sodium topical gel. Do not wash your treated hands for at least 1 hour after applying the diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Step 5. After applying diclofenac sodium topical gel, wait 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with gloves or clothing.
Applying 4 grams (4 g) of diclofenac sodium topical gel to feet, ankles, or knees:
Step 2. Squeeze diclofenac sodium topical gel onto the dosing card evenly up to the 4 g line (a 4.5 inch length of gel), making sure the gel covers the 4 g area of the dosing card (see Figure E). Put the cap back on the tube of diclofenac sodium topical gel. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure how to correctly measure your dose of diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Step 3. Apply diclofenac sodium topical gel to your foot, ankle, or knee. You can use the dosing card to apply the gel (see Figure F). Then, use your hands to gently rub the gel into the skin (see Figure G). Do not share your dosing card with another person. Make sure to cover your entire foot, ankle, or knee area with the gel. For example, cover the skin above, below, inside and outside the knee cap. Remember that the foot includes the sole of your foot, the top of your foot, and your toes.
Refer to Steps 4 and 5 above. Wash your hands after applying diclofenac sodium topical gel to your foot, ankle, or knee.
What are the ingredients in diclofenac sodium topical gel?
Active ingredient: diclofenac sodium, USP
Inactive ingredients: carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, and strong ammonia solution.
How should I store diclofenac sodium topical gel?
● Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
● Do not freeze diclofenac sodium topical gel.
● Store the dosing card with your diclofenac sodium topical gel.
Keep diclofenac sodium topical gel, the dosing card, and all medicines out of the reach of children.
This Medication Guide and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug