Flector

Flector Drug Information

• Flector Overview

  Diclofenac patches are used to relieve pain from various conditions (e.g., sprained ankle). Flector is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.

• Flector Warnings

  Flector may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without warning at any time during treatment with diclofenac. The elderly are at increased risk for serious stomach/intestinal bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while using Flector but is more likely if you use it for a long time. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not use Flector right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).black/bloody stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

• How to Use Flector

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. The patch comes in a resealable envelope. When opening the envelope for the first time, cut it open as instructed. Remove a patch from the envelope and reseal the envelope. It is important to reseal the envelope after each opening, or the remaining patches will not stick correctly. Before applying the patch, remove the clear liner. Apply the patch to the skin to cover the most painful area. Do not apply the patch on burns, cuts, or irritated skin (e.g., eczema). Change the patch usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together, and discard out of reach of children and pets. If the patch begins to peel off, you may tape the edges to the skin. Do not wear the patch during bathing or showering. Take baths/showers at times that you normally change the patch. To avoid getting the medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vaginal area, wash your hands after handling the patch. If the medication or patch does come in contact with those areas, flush with plenty of water. Contact your doctor right away if irritation persists. Dosage of Flector is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce side effect risks (e.g., stomach bleeding), use Flector at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using Flector "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may not work as well. Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

• Flector Precautions

  Before using diclofenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin; or to other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. Flector may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Flector should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG). Before using Flector, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,stomach/intestine problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, heart disease (e.g., history of heart attack), high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, water retention), blood disorders (e.g., anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including diclofenac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Flector. If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding, especially when combined with this medicine. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Flector may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flector, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems and worsening heart problems. Before using Flector, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, Flector should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery. Based on information from related drugs, Flector may pass into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Flector Misdose

  If you are prescribed Flector on a regular schedule (not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Flector Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide). Flector may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others. Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, or ketorolac). These drugs are similar to diclofenac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• Flector Side Effects

  What are Flector side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Flector may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Flector as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Flector

  The side effects of Flector may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Flector. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Flector may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Flector, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Flector.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Flector, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Flector and the side effects associated with Flector are described in the following:

  Common Flector Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • dyspepsia
  • constipation
  • insomnia
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting

  Less Frequent Flector Side Effects

  Severe

  • body fluid retention
  • tinnitus
  • esophageal ulcer
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • peptic ulcer
  • gastrointestinal ulcer
  • pruritus of skin
  • skin rash
  • edema

  Less Severe

  • flatulence
  • dizziness

  Rare or Very Rare Flector Side Effects

  Severe

  • non-infective meningitis
  • hemolytic anemia
  • hepatic necrosis
  • aplastic anemia
  • anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • leukopenia
  • nephrotoxicity
  • renal papillary necrosis
  • hemorrhage
  • hepatic failure
  • thrombotic disorder
  • proteinuria
  • oliguria
  • hypertension
  • hyperkalemia
  • angioedema
  • heart failure
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • esophagitis
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • gastrointestinal perforation
  • hepatitis
  • colitis
  • pancytopenia
  • acute pancreatitis
  • bloody stools
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • nephrotic syndrome
  • interstitial nephritis
  • renal failure
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • Anaphylaxis
  • hematuria
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • allergic dermatitis
  • bullous dermatitis
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • urticaria
  • memory impairment
  • black tarry stools
  • seizure disorder
  • eosinophilia
  • Jaundice
  • epistaxis
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • dyspnea
  • bloody vomit
  • gastric ulcer
  • infection
  • respiratory depression
  • pneumonia
  • acute myocardial infarction

  Less Severe

  • ecchymosis
  • purpura
  • hearing loss
  • fever
  • xerostomia
  • stomatitis
  • skin photosensitivity
  • drowsy
  • irritability
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • flushing
  • appetite changes
  • weight loss
  • medication overuse headache
  • tachycardia
  • palpitations
  • syncope
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • general weakness
  • acute confusion
  • depression
  • Dream Disorder
  • asthma
  • alopecia
  • conjunctivitis
  • hyperglycemia
  • lymphadenopathy
  • eructation

• Flector Storage

  Store patches in the envelope at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Always reseal envelope after opening. The patches expire 3 months after the envelope is first opened. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Flector when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.