What is Solaraze?
Diclofenac (NSAID) is a nonsteroidal analgesic drug. Solaraze is used for the treatment of joint discomfort that results from osteoarthritis. Solaraze can be used on the elbows, hands, feet, ankles, or knees. This medicine is not effective for treating pain anywhere else in the body.
Pennsaid should only be used on the knees. Solaraze can be used to treat the warty growths (actinic keratoses) of skin in areas exposed to sunlight. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Solaraze.
Side effects of Solaraze
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, runny noses, difficulty breathing, swelling around your mouth or face, or a severe reaction to the skin such as a fever, a sore throat, burning eyes, or skin pain or blistering skin, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe drug reaction, such as a skin rash or fever, or swollen or enlarged glands, severe muscle pain, unusual bruises, or yellowing in your eyes or skin, stop using diclofenac immediately and consult a doctor.
If you experience any of these symptoms of a stroke or heart attack: sudden weakness or numbness on one side, slurred or shaky speech, shortness of breath, or chest pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulder,
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- A skin rash is a rash on the skin, regardless of how mild it may be.
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- An intense headache can leave sufferers experiencing blurred vision or an excruciating pounding sensation in the neck and ears.
- Little or no urination
- Liver problems: nausea, diarrhea, pain in the upper right corner of your stomach, fatigue, itching, and dark urine.
- Low red blood cells, or anemia, can cause pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath, and cold hands or feet.
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Some of the common side effects associated with Solaraze include:
- Heartburn, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- Stuffy nose;
- Itching and increased sweating
- Increased blood pressure or
- Skin redness, itching, or scaling where the medication was applied
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Diclofenac topical, fluorouracil topical, topical imiquimod, Efudex, Santyl, and Aldara
Warnings
Solaraze may increase your risk of a fatal stroke or heart attack. Solaraze should not be used before or immediately after a heart bypass operation (coronary arterial bypass graft, or CABG). This medication can also cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Before you take this drug
Solaraze may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke even if you have no risk factors. This medicine should not be used before or immediately after heart bypass surgery. Solaraze can also cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding. Solaraze can cause these conditions without warning, especially among older adults.
This medicine should not be used if you're allergic to diclofenac, also known as Voltaren (Cataflam, Flector, and other brands), or if your asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions have Have you experienced discomfort after taking an NSAID or aspirin?
Solaraze should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart condition, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes;
- A heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- Stomach ulcers are bleeding stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Asthma;
- Liver or kidney disease
- Fluid retention.
Diclofenac may affect ovulation, making it harder to become pregnant.
Do not take Solaraze if you are pregnant unless you have been told to by your doctor. Nsaids can cause kidney or heart problems for the unborn child and other complications during pregnancy. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. If you are concerned about potential risks, you should contact your physician for advice.
How to take Solaraze?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Use the lowest effective dose to treat your condition. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. If Solaraze enters your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.
Please follow all instructions that accompany your medication carefully. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Solaraze should not be applied to open wounds, areas of infection, rash, or burnt skin. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is close to your next scheduled dose, consider skipping any missed ones. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Before using any other medication for pain, fever, swelling, or to treat cold or flu symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist. These medicines may contain diclofenac-like ingredients (such as naproxen, ketoprofen, or aspirin). Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Heat can increase how much diclofenac is absorbed through the skin. Solaraze should not be used on the eyes. If you do get Solaraze in your eyes, rinse them with water. If you experience eye irritation for more than an hour, call your doctor. Solaraze should not be used in conjunction with any other skin care products, such as sunscreen, lotions, or insect repellants.
Interaction with other drug
Before using diclofenac, ask your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant. Certain antidepressants may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Tell your doctor all of your current medications, including:
- Cyclosporine;
- Lithium;
- Methotrexate;
- A blood thinner (warfarin; Coumadin; Jantoven);
- Heart or blood pressure medications, including diuretics or "water pills";
- Steroids (prednisone and others)
This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also interact with diclofenac. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
