References

1 Rusca A, Mautone G, Sun S, Magelli M, Johnson F. Comparison of plasma pharmacokinetics of FLECTOR® Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) 1.3% and oral Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets) in healthy volunteers. Presented at: 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society (APS); August 10, 2009; Tampa, FL.
2 What are sprains and strains? Accessed April 16, 2009. What are sprains and strains? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/sprains_and_strains_ff.asp Published March 2005. Updated June 2009. Accessed September 2, 2009.
3 Sprains and strains: what’s the difference? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Web site. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111. Updated October 2007. Accessed September 2, 2009.
4 Birrer RB, O’Connor FG. Sports Medicine for the Primary Care Physician. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2004:371–374.
5 Rice: rest, ice, compression, elevation. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Web site. http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/prepareemergencies/prep4922.html. Updated October 2006. Accessed June 30, 2009.
6 Flector Patch [package insert]. Piscataway, NJ: Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC; 2009.
7 Mayo Clinic staff. Sprains and strains. Mayo Clinic Web site. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprains-and-strains/DS00343/DSECTION=when-to-seek-medical-advice. Published October 2007. Accessed September 1, 2009.
8 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Questions & Answers about Sprains and Strains. Bethesda, MD: NIAMS/National Institutes of Health; 2004. NIH Publication No. 04–5328.
9 Bruise mark treatment. Medline Plus Web site. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002039.htm. Updated August 27, 2009. Accessed September 2, 2009.

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INDICATIONS

FLECTOR® Patch (diclofenac epolamine topical patch) 1.3% is used for the topical treatment of acute (short-term) pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions (bruises).

FLECTOR® Patch is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Use FLECTOR® Patch exactly as your healthcare professional told you. Do not use more. Do not use for a longer time.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • NSAIDs may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases
    • With longer use of NSAID medicines 
    • In people who have heart disease
  • NSAID medicines should never be used right before or after a heart surgery called “coronary artery bypass graft” (CABG)
  • NSAID medicines can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. These can happen without symptoms and may cause death. The chance of a person getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with
    • Taking blood thinning medicines or medicines called steroids
    • Longer use
    • Smoking
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Older age
    • Having poor health

Do not use FLECTOR® Patch if you know you are allergic to diclofenac or have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reactions when taking aspirin or another NSAID medicine.

FLECTOR® Patch should not be applied to broken or damaged skin due to any cause, such as cuts, burns, infected wound, or rash with oozing fluid.

Before using FLECTOR® Patch, tell your healthcare professional about the following:

  • Any and all other health or medical problems you may have
  • All other medications (prescription and nonprescription) you are taking. Do not take other medicines without your healthcare professional’s approval
  • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. NSAID medicines should not be used by pregnant women late in their pregnancy
  • If you are breast-feeding

Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness in one part or side of your body, slurred speech, or swelling of the face or throat. Stop using FLECTOR® Patch and call your healthcare professional right away if you have any of the following symptoms: nausea, more tired or weaker than usual, itching, your skin or eyes look yellow, stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, vomit blood, bowel movement contains blood or is black and sticky like tar, unusual weight gain, skin rash or blisters with fever, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet.

The most common side effects seen with FLECTOR® Patch were skin reactions (including itching, inflamed skin, burning) at the site of treatment, stomach discomfort or intestine problems (including nausea, altered taste, upset stomach), and nervous disorders (including headache, tingling of the skin, sleepiness).

Avoid contact of FLECTOR® Patch with eyes, nose, or mouth, and wash hands after applying, handling, or removing FLECTOR® Patch. FLECTOR® Patch still contains medicine even after use. Keep all FLECTOR® Patches out of the reach of children and pets. If a child or pet puts FLECTOR® Patch in their mouth, seek medical help immediately. Children should not use FLECTOR® Patch.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.