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Flector

Generic name: diclofenac topical system (patch) [dye-KLOE’-fen-ak dye-KLOE-fen-ak
Drug class: topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

What is Flector?

Flector patches contain diclofenac Epolamine, which is an anti-inflammatory medication that is nonsteroidal (NSAID). Diclofenac Epolamine is effective in decreasing the amount of substances in your body that cause inflammation and pain. Flector patches may help ease minor strain-induced discomfort as well as bruises. The Flector patches can be used for children and adults who are at least 6 years old.

Warnings

Before you use Flector, consult your doctor about any allergies you may have to any drug or have cardiovascular disease, congestive failure, high blood pressure, the history of a stroke or heart attack, stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney or liver disease, blood clotting disorder, asthma, nasal polyps, or smoking. Diclofenac may increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, particularly if you take it for a long time, in large doses, or if you suffer from heart disease. Don't use Flector prior to or following the procedure to bypass your heart (coronary bypass grafts for the artery, or CABG).

Contact emergency medical assistance for chest discomfort and weakness, or rapid breathing and slurred speech. You may also have issues with balance or vision when using Flector Patches. While the risk of absorption of diclofenac into the bloodstream is minimal, an NSAID can cause life-threatening cardiovascular or circulation issues like heart attack or stroke, especially if taken for a long time. Flector could also have grave stomach problems or intestine problems. This could include blood loss or perforation (the formation of holes). These could be fatal and occur at any time while you're using Flector, particularly in older adults. Contact your doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of stomach bleeding like bloody, black, or the appearance of tarry stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks similar to coffee grounds,

Before you take this drug

Diclofenac may increase the risk of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, even when you do not have risk factors. Don't take this medication prior to or following coronary bypass surgeries (coronary bypass graft for artery (CABG) or CABG). Diclofenac can also trigger diarrhea or stomach bleeding, which can lead to fatal bleeding. These problems can develop at any time while taking this medication, particularly for older people. It is not recommended to use Flector if you have an allergy to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Solaraze, Pennsaid, and many others) or if you have experienced one of these asthma attacks or a severe allergic reaction following using aspirin or an NSAID.

To ensure that Flector is suitable for you, inform your physician if you are suffering from:

  • A stroke, heart attack, or blood clot

  • Kidney disease or liver failure;

  • Hypertension;

  • Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or stomach ulcers;

  • Asthma;

  • If you smoke.

If you're pregnant, then you shouldn't use Flector unless your physician tells you that you should. Using an NSAID in the final 20 weeks before birth could cause kidney or heart issues in the baby who is not yet born and possibly complications related to the pregnancy. Diclofenac can affect ovulation and alter fertileness (the ability to have children) in females. It might not be safe to breastfeed when using Flector patches. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks.

How to take Flector?

Utilize the Flector Patches exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and study all the medication guidelines. Choose the dosage that works for your condition. The addition of patches won't help make the medication more effective; it could result in dangerous negative side effects.

Apply the topical application directly to the area of discomfort. Apply the patch directly to the area. The patch is able to be used for a period of up to 12 hours and then taken off. Replace the patch at this time in case pain persists. Don't apply Flector to a skin injury or to areas that are prone to eczema, infection of the skin, or burns. Cleanse your hands after removing or applying an application. If the patch doesn't adhere well, you can apply medical tape to the edges. It is also possible to use a mesh netting sleeve to secure the patch to your skin. Don't cover the area with a bandage or any other protection that does not permit air to flow through. When you have removed a patch, fold it in half, put the sticky side inside the stick, and dispose of it in a location where pets and children can't reach it. Keep both unused patches and unused ones out of reach of pets or children.

If you're using the Flector patch for long periods, it is possible that you will require regular medical tests. Store it at room temperature and away from heat and moisture, sealing its envelope each time you add or take away an adhesive patch from it.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Apply a patch of Flector when it occurs to you and wear it for 12 hours before replacing with another patch; no additional dose should be administered at this time, nor should a single patch remain worn longer than 12 hours.

What happens if I overdose?

Take immediate medical assistance or reach out to the Poison Help Line on 1-800-222-1222 in an emergency situation.

What should be avoided?

Don't wear the Flector patches when taking a shower or bath or when swimming. Avoid getting a patch on your nose, eyes, or mouth. If this happens, you should wash it off with water. Contact your physician if you experience eye irritation lasting more than one hour. Do not drink alcohol. This can increase the chance of bleeding from your stomach. Beware of taking aspirin and other NNSAIDs. Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using any other medications for swelling, pain, fever, or symptoms of the cold or flu. They could contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen).

Side effects of Flector

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to Flector (runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing, breathing difficulties, or a swelling in your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, and an ailment that is purple or red with peeling and blisters), Do not use Flector or seek medical assistance when you experience a severe drug reaction that affects various parts of your body. Symptoms may include the appearance of a rash on your skin or fever, swollen glands, muscle pains, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or redness of your eyes or skin. Take immediate medical care. If you are experiencing symptoms of an attack on your heart or stroke: chest pain spreading into your shoulder or jaw A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in one part of your body, speech slurring, leg swelling, and feeling tired

Take a break from Flector and consult your physician immediately if you are suffering from:

  • A skin rash, regardless of how minor,

  • Breathing shortness (even even);

  • Rapid weight loss or swelling

  • Symptoms that stomach blood is bleeding, bloody or tarry stool, coughing up blood, or vomiting that appears like coffee grounds

  • Liver issues The symptoms include nausea and stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach. Itching, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms; lack of appetite; black stools; dark urine; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);

  • Kidney issues There is no or little urine, swelling of your ankles and feet, being tired, or lacking breath.

  • Low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, cold feet and hands

The common Flector-related side effects could include:

  • Heartburn, gas, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting

  • Diarrhea, constipation;

  • Minor burning, redness, or any other skin irritations in the area where the patch was placed.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Report any symptoms to the Food and Drug Administration by calling their toll free number 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor prior to starting to take Flector if you are taking antidepressants; some antidepressants combined with an NSAID could increase bleeding or bruises easily and thus complicate treatment. In certain instances, taking certain medicines simultaneously is sometimes not advised due to interactions among drugs that could alter blood levels of other medications you are already taking; this may result in additional side effects or make their effectiveness less efficient; over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as vitamins or herbal supplements may interact adversely with diclofenac - so inform your physician of all medications you take or discontinue before making changes that involve changes that need be addressed immediately or during consultations regarding potential interactions among medications taken that would potentially interact adversely with diclofenac.