This information describes Flector patch, including how to put it on, guidelines to follow while you’re wearing it, and side effects to look out for.
About Flector patch
Flector patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) is a pain medicine. It helps ease pain and inflammation (swelling) in a small area of your body, such as from a sprain, strain, bruise, or arthritis. It contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Flector patch is put on your skin. This means your body absorbs the NSAID through your skin and the medicine goes right to the area where the pain is. Other areas of your body don’t get as much of the medicine.
Before you put on Flector patch
- Make sure your skin is clean. Wash off any dirt, lotion, or moisturizer on the area where you will put on Flector patch. They will keep the patch from sticking to your skin.
- If the area where you’re putting Flector patch needs to be washed, wash it with a mild soap, rinse the area with water, and pat it completely dry.
- If you have hair on the area where you will put Flector patch, clip the hair with scissors. Do not shave the area.
How to put on Flector patch
- Do not put Flector patch on damaged skin, such as where there’s a burn, wound, infection, rash, or eczema.
- Do not put the Flector patch on an area that has received radiation.
To put on Flector patch:
- Take off the clear film on the patch.
- Put the patch on the area where you have the most pain.
- Press the patch firmly with your hand for about 20 to 30 seconds. It needs to stick completely to your skin.
- Wash your hands.
Each package contains more than 1 Flector patch. Be sure to reseal the package after you open it. This will keep the remaining patches from drying out.
Store the patches at room temperature. Do not put them in the refrigerator or expose them to heat.
After you put on Flector patch
- Keep the patch dry. Do not shower or take a bath with the patch on.
- Do not put a warm or cold pack over the patch.
- Do not let the patch to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, flush your eye with water right away and call your doctor.
- If the patch starts to peel off, tape the edges down.
Use only the number of patches your doctor prescribed.
How to take off Flector patch
- Peel the patch off your skin.
- Fold the patch so the sticky sides are together.
- Throw the used patch in the trash where children and pets can’t get to it.
- Wash your hands.
Side effects of Flector patch
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, take off the patch right away and rinse the area with water.
- A rash or other skin reaction near the patch
- Dizziness
- Swelling in your arms or legs
- Weight gain
- A headache
- High blood pressure that’s getting worse
- Kidney, liver, or heart disease that’s getting worse
Precautions
- Do not use this medicine if you have ever had a rash, itching, asthma, or any allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
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Do not take any oral NSAIDs while you’re using the patch, unless your doctor tells you it’s OK. Examples of oral NSAIDs include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Meloxicam (Mobic®)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren®)
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Tell your doctor if you take other medicines, such as:
- ACE inhibitors to control your blood pressure
- Steroids
- Aspirin
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Pain medicine
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have:
- Any of the symptoms listed in the “Side effects” section
- Changes in the amount or color of your urine (pee)
- Any new or unexplained symptoms
- Any questions or concerns
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you are having chest pain or problems breathing.