Diclofenac and lidocaine topical

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine that helps relieve pain from arthritis, back pain, cramps, neck pain, soreness, sprains, and strains.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical can raise your chances of having a deadly heart attack or stroke. Do not use diclofenac and lidocaine topical right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac and lidocaine topical can also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac, lidocaine, or other numbing medicines, such as benzocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and others.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac and lidocaine topical may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can happen without warning, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);
• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• fluid retention; or
• liver or kidney disease.

If you are pregnant, you should not use diclofenac and lidocaine topical unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID (diclofenac) during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using diclofenac and lidocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pale, gray, or blue skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, or tired.

Common side effects of diclofenac and lidocaine topical may include:

• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Apply diclofenac and lidocaine gel to the affected area up to 4 times a day.

Apply diclofenac and lidocaine patch to the affected area up to 2 times a day. The patch may be cut into smaller sizes before removing the protective film, and it should not be worn for more than 12 hours per application.

Remove the skin patch and throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive sides stick to itself. Keep used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

Clean and dry the affected area before application. You may wear clothing over the area of application. Wash your hands after handling diclofenac and lidocaine topical.

If a burning feeling or irritation occurs during application, wash diclofenac and lidocaine topical off your skin and do not reapply diclofenac and lidocaine topical until the irritation is less intense.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Do not apply diclofenac and lidocaine topical to an open skin wound, or on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin.

Do not use large amounts of diclofenac and lidocaine topical without medical advice.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Diclofenac and lidocaine topical is flammable. Do not use it near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.

Avoid exposing treated skin to heat, sunlight, or tanning beds. Heat can increase the amount of diclofenac and lidocaine topical that you absorb through your skin.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart rhythm medication such as tocainide and mexiletine;
• other numbing medicines such as benzocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and others; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect diclofenac and lidocaine topical. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.