Pennsaid

Pennsaid Drug Information

• Pennsaid Overview

  Pennsaid is used to treat arthritis of the knee(s). It reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness and helps to improve your ability to move and flex the joint. Diclofenac 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.

• Pennsaid Warnings

  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 Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Also, Pennsaid may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while using diclofenac. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. (See also Precautions and Drug Interactions sections.)black/bloody stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of using Pennsaid.

• How to Use Pennsaid

  Read the Medication Guide if available, and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Pennsaid is for use on the skin only. Apply Pennsaid to clean, dry skin, as directed by your doctor, usually 40 drops for each knee four times daily. The Dosage of Pennsaid is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Place 10 drops of Pennsaid into the hand or directly onto the affected knee. Spread the medication evenly around the front, back, and sides of the knee. Repeat these steps until you have applied the prescribed dose to cover all surfaces of the knee. Repeat on the other knee if directed to do so by your doctor. Let the medication dry for several minutes. Do not touch the treated knee, allow other people to touch it, or wear clothing over it until the treated knee is completely dry. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use Pennsaid. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the medication. Avoid getting Pennsaid in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply Pennsaid to open wounds, or to infected or damaged skin. Do not bandage or tightly cover the treated area unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. Wait at least 30 minutes after applying Pennsaid before showering. It is important to use Pennsaid regularly at evenly spaced intervals to get the most benefit from it. Use the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it more often or for longer than prescribed. Do not use Pennsaid for more than 3 months at a time unless directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist. For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of using Pennsaid regularly until you get the full benefit. If you are using Pennsaid "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 medication may not work as well. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

• Pennsaid Precautions

  Before using Pennsaid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. Pennsaid may contain other inactive ingredients (such as dimethyl sulfoxide, propylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Pennsaid, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,asthma, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), liver disease, stomach/intestine problems (such as bleeding, ulcers, Crohn's disease), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), blood disorders (such as anemia), bleeding/clotting problems, 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. Pennsaid may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink. Pennsaid may make the treated area more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing when outdoors. Ask your doctor whether you should use sunscreen along with Pennsaid. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Pennsaid, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems. Before using Pennsaid, 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, Pennsaid 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. It is unknown if this form of diclofenac passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Pennsaid Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Pennsaid, 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.

• Pennsaid 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 (such as dexamethasone, prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide). Pennsaid 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 ibuprofen, ketorolac, or naproxen). 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.

• Pennsaid Side Effects

  What are Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Pennsaid

  The side effects of Pennsaid may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Pennsaid. 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 Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid, 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 Pennsaid.

  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 Pennsaid, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Pennsaid and the side effects associated with Pennsaid are described in the following:

  Common Pennsaid Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • skin rash
  • treatment site sequelae
  • pruritus of skin

  Less Frequent Pennsaid Side Effects

  Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • skin inflammation
  • headache disorder
  • dysgeusia
  • skin ulcer
  • stinging of skin
  • paresthesia
  • edema
  • nausea
  • drowsy

  Rare or Very Rare Pennsaid Side Effects

  Severe

  • platelet aggregation inhibition
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • body fluid retention
  • diarrhea
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • gastrointestinal ulcer
  • gastrointestinal perforation
  • renal papillary necrosis
  • anaphylaxis
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • hepatic necrosis
  • jaundice
  • hepatitis
  • hepatic failure
  • gastric ulcer
  • heart failure
  • anemia

  Less Severe

  • hypertension
  • gastritis
  • hypesthesia
  • hyperkinesis
  • localized edema

• Pennsaid Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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 Pennsaid when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.