Diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical

Diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used in adults and children who are at least 12 years old to temporarily relieve pain.

Diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Apply diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical to the affected area for up to 12 hours.

Clean and dry the affected area before applying. You can wear clothing over the area where you applied the medicine. Wash your hands after handling diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical.

Remove the film and dispose of it by folding it in half so the sticky sides stick to each other. Keep used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

If you feel a burning sensation or irritation during application, wash diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical off your skin and do not reapply it until the irritation lessens.

Do not take by mouth. This 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, lidocaine, and menthol topical in the eyes, nose, mouth, or to an open skin wound or on areas that are infected, have a rash, are burned, or have peeling skin.

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if your symptoms go away and then return within 3 days.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, or open flame.

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol, or to other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin.

Diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol 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, lidocaine, and menthol 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 habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
• if you are age 60 or older;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• blisters, hives, skin redness;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• fluid retention; or
• liver or kidney disease.

If you are pregnant, you should not use diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol 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.

Stop using diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, cirrhosis or other liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, or have had a stroke;
• symptoms that last for more than 7 days, or improve but come back after 3 days; or
• pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, or tired.

Common side effects of diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol 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.

Diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical is used as needed. If you miss a dose while on a dosing schedule, just skip it. 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, lidocaine, and menthol 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, lidocaine, and menthol topical you absorb through your skin.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• steroids; 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, lidocaine, and menthol topical. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.