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EspañolFlector overview
BRAND NAMES:
Flector Topical System, Licart, Flector
Generic Names:
Diclofenac Epolamine
Uses:
Treats pain caused by minor strains, sprains, and bruises. This medicine is an NSAID.
Therapeutic Classes:
Analgesic
Forms:
Patch
How it’s taken:
On the skin
What form(s) does Flector come in
Patch
What are common Flector doses?
Box 30 Patch
Common Flector prescriptions
Flector
30 patch box
How to take Flector
Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Do not wear the patch when bathing or showering.
If any of this medicine gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose, rinse it off with water right away. Call your doctor if eye irritation lasts for more than 1 hour.
You may tape down the edges of the patch if it begins to peel-off. You may also cover the patch with a mesh netting sleeve (especially when applied to the ankles, knees, or elbows) if it continues to fall off. The mesh netting sleeve must allow air to pass through and not be occlusive (non-breathable).
Transdermal routeDo not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Do not use this medicine on skin injuries that are caused by diseases (including dermatitis, eczema, infections) or wounds.
Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
If any of this medicine gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose, rinse it off with water right away. Call your doctor if eye irritation lasts for more than 1 hour.
Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Transdermal routeDo not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Do not use this medicine on skin injuries that are caused by diseases (including dermatitis, eczema, infections) or wounds.
Do not wear the patch when bathing or showering.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
You may tape down the edges of the patch if it begins to peel-off. You may also cover the patch with a mesh netting sleeve (especially when applied to the ankles, knees, or elbows) if it continues to fall off. The mesh netting sleeve must allow air to pass through and not be occlusive (non-breathable).
Flector contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, or similar medicines. Do not use it right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Flector warnings
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Severe stomach pain, red or black stools
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, heart attack, or strokeBleeding problems, including stomach and bowel bleeding or ulcerLiver problemsHigh blood pressureKidney problemsSerious skin reactions
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, high blood pressure, heart failure or other heart problems, a recent heat attack, or a history of stomach ulcers or stroke. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the later part of your pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
Flector interactions
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
This medicine may cause the following problems: High risk of blood clots, heart failure, heart attack, or strokeStomach or bowel bleedingLiver problemsHigh blood pressureKidney problems and high potassium levelsSerious skin reactions
Some medicines can affect how the diclofenac patch works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetaminophen, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexedBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression (including SNRIs, SSRIs)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, prednisone)
Do not use this medicine together with other oral or topical NSAID medicines (including aspirin, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, salsalate), unless your doctor says it is okay.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Flector side effects
Serious Side Effects
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting
Confusion, weakness, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Severe stomach pain, red or black stools
Less Serious Side Effects
Burning, itching, or swelling where the patch is applied