This information describes Flector Patch, including how to apply it, guidelines to follow while wearing it, and side effects to look out for.
About Flector Patch
Flector Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) is a pain medication. It helps relieve 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 the NSAID is absorbed through your skin and the medication goes right to the area where the pain is. Other areas of your body don’t get as much of the medication.
Before You Apply Flector Patch
- Make sure your skin is clean. Wash off any dirt, lotion, or moisturizer on the area where you will apply Flector Patch. They will keep the patch from sticking to your skin.
- If the area where you’re applying 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. Don’t shave the area.
How to Apply Flector Patch
- Don’t put Flector Patch on damaged skin, such as where there’s a burn, wound, infection, rash, or eczema.
- Don’t put the Flector Patch on an area that has received radiation.
To apply 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. Don’t put them in the refrigerator or expose them to heat.
After You Apply Flector Patch
- Don’t get the patch wet. Don’t shower or take a bath with the patch on.
- Don’t put a warm or cold pack over the patch.
- Don’t 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 prescribed by your doctor.
How to Remove 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
If you develop any of the symptoms listed below, remove the patch right away and rinse the area with water.
- Rash or skin reaction in the area where the patch is placed
- Dizziness
- Swelling in your arms or legs
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Worsening of high blood pressure or kidney, liver, or heart disease
Precautions
- Don’t use this medication if you have ever developed a rash, itching, asthma, or any allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Don’t take any oral NSAIDs while you’re using the patch (unless your doctor tells you it’s okay). Examples of oral NSAIDs include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Meloxicam (Mobic®)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren®)
- Tell your doctor if you take other medications, such as:
- ACE inhibitors to control your blood pressure
- Steroids
- Aspirin
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Pain medication
Call Your Doctor or Nurse if You Have:
- Any of the symptoms listed under “Side Effects”
- Changes in the amount or color of your urine (pee)
- Any new or unexplained symptoms
- Any questions or concerns
If you’re having chest pain or problems breathing, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away.