Do all NSAIDs have the same warnings about risks to the heart, stomach, and intestines?

  • All prescription NSAIDs have the same cardiovascular and stomach/intestine warnings. Taking NSAIDs may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, which could be fatal. This chance increases with longer use of NSAID medicines and 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, and having poor health6
  • You should always discuss the risks and benefits of a medicine with your healthcare professional6

Are there side effects with FLECTOR® Patch?

As with any medication, there is a chance of side effects when using FLECTOR® Patch.
In clinical studies of FLECTOR® Patch

  • The majority of patients described the side effects as “mild” or “moderate”
  • There were no serious side effects were reported in nearly 600 patients using FLECTOR® Patch
  • Patients using FLECTOR® Patch had side effects similar to those using a placebo patch, or inactive patch
  • 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)

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.

If your healthcare professional thinks FLECTOR® Patch is right for you, download and print a coupon for up to $30 off your co-pay!
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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.