Diclona

Diclona (for the skin) is a combination medicine that helps relieve pain from arthritis, backache, cramps, neck ache, soreness, sprains, and strains.

Diclona may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Diclona can raise your chances of having a deadly heart attack or stroke. Do not use Diclona right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may 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 to other numbing medicines, such as benzocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and others.

Diclona 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). This medicine 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 Diclona 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 notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical treatment if you experience a serious drug reaction that can impact various 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.

Diclona can cause serious side effects. Stop using Diclona and contact your doctor immediately if you have:

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

Common side effects of Diclona may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the 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 Diclona.

If a burning feeling or irritation occurs during application, wash Diclona off your skin and do not reapply Diclona 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 Diclona 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.

Diclona is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, just skip it. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

Diclona is flammable. Do not use it near high heat or open flames. Do not smoke until the medicine has fully dried on your skin.

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

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, 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 Diclona. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.