Flector

The active ingredient in Flector is diclofenac epolamine. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties and works by inhibiting the inflammatory process in your body, thereby alleviating pain and swelling.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Flector. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Flector:

• Apply the topical solution immediately to the source of pain. The patch is removable after up to 12 hours of wear. If the pain persists, apply another patch at that time.
• Wash your hands after applying or removing a patch.
• Do not use Flector on non-intact skin, including open skin lesions, eczema, infections, skin rash, or burn injuries.
• Using more than 1 patch at a time will not make the drug more effective and may result in hazardous adverse effects.
• If the patch does not adhere well, wrap medical tape around the edges. You can also use a mesh netting sleeve to keep a patch in place on your skin. Do not cover the patch with a bandage or any other covering that prevents air from passing through.
• Do not wear a Flector patch when bathing, showering, or swimming.
• After removing a patch, fold it in half, sticky side in, and store it somewhere out of reach of children and pets. Keep any used and unused patches out of reach of youngsters and pets.
• If you wear the Flector patch for a long time, you may need to have regular medical examinations.
• Avoid consuming alcohol. It may raise your chances of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Avoid taking aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
• Consult your doctor or chemist before using any other medications for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain chemicals comparable to diclofenac (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

The most common side effects of Flector seen in clinical trials include:

• Digestive tract issues such as nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, changes to your sense of taste, or indigestion.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Numbness or a ‘pins’ and ‘needles’ sensation.
• Weight gain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Flector. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Liver disease - nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• Kidney problems - irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, decreased urine output, disorientation, and weakness.
• Symptoms of a heart attack - chest pain, perspiration, shortness of breath, and soreness in the jaw, neck, or shoulders.
• Heart failure symptoms - shortness of breath, swelling or fluid buildup in the ankles, feet, or legs, and cough.
• Stroke symptoms - weakness in one side of the body, slurred speech, loss of balance, and confusion.
• Symptoms of serious GI events, including GI bleeding - black or tarry stool, dizziness, and stomach pain or discomfort.
• Allergic reactions - hives, hypersensitivity, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Serious skin reactions - flu-like symptoms, painful rash or blisters all over the body, and peeling skin.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flector. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Flector, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, including diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Solaraze, Pennsaid, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic response after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), a history of heart attack or stroke (cardiovascular thrombotic events), stomach ulcers or bleeding, liver (hepatic) or kidney (renal) disease, a blood clotting disorder, anemia, asthma, nasal polyps, or if you smoke.
• Even if you have no other risk factors, diclofenac can increase your risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Do not take this medication immediately before or after cardiac bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
• If you experience chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or vision or balance difficulties while using Flector patches, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• NSAIDs, including Flector patches, increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal, particularly when taken with anticoagulants.
• Avoid using Flector in patients with severe heart failure due to risks associated with worsening heart failure and edema.
• Diclofenac may interfere with ovulation, potentially affecting women's fertility.
• Flector patches may antagonize or increase the risk of renal failure when used with diuretics (e.g., loop or thiazides), ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers; close monitoring is recommended.
• Flector patches may potentiate the effects of lithium, methotrexate, and cyclosporine, requiring close monitoring for signs of toxicity.
• The most common adverse reactions to Flector are application site itching, dermatitis, and other application site reactions.

• Aspirin allergy, if so, avoid concomitant aspirin.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting procedure.
• Skin that is not in good condition or has been injured.

When applied to the area of discomfort, the Flector medicated topical system provides up to 4 hours of pain relief and targeted action against acute pain and inflammation, thanks to the active ingredient's progressive and steady release for up to 12 hours.

When Flector is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• If you are currently on an antidepressant, see your doctor before using Flector. Taking certain antidepressants alongside an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed more easily.
• Many medications can interact with Flector. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This is not an exhaustive list of probable interactions. Tell your doctor about all of your current medications, as well as any new ones you start or stop taking.

Typical dose for Diclofenac patch

Flector diclofenac patch: Apply one patch to the most painful location twice a day.

If you miss a dose, as soon as you remember, put a Flector patch and leave it on for 12 hours before applying another. Do not use extra patches to make up for missed doses. Don't wear a Flector patch for more than 12 hours.

Store at room temperature, free from moisture and heat. Each time you remove a patch, reseal the storage envelope and keep it out of reach of children.

Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Flector patches.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Flector available.

There is no specific way to stop using your Flector patches, however, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider if you wish to do so.

If you are pregnant, do not use Flector unless your doctor advises you to do so. The use of NSAIDs during the last 20 weeks of gestation might cause major heart or renal problems in the unborn baby, as well as pregnancy difficulties such as an increased risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant.

This medicine can transfer into breast milk but is unlikely to damage a nursing newborn. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.