Flector Patch (Diclofenac Epolamine Topical Patch)

Do’s

• Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before using Flector Patch and each time you get a refill.
• When opening the envelope for the first time, cut it open as instructed. Remove a patch from the envelope and reseal the envelope after each opening, or the remaining patches will not stick correctly.
• Wash the skin area where you will apply the patch with soap and water and completely dry it.
• Remove the clear liner and apply the patch to the skin to cover the most painful area.
• Depending on your product, the patch is usually changed every 12 or 24 hours. Follow the directions carefully.
• If the patch begins to peel off, you may tape the edges to the skin. 
• Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together, and discard it out of reach of children and pets.
• To avoid getting the medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vaginal area, wash your hands after handling the patch. If the medication or patch does come in contact with those areas, flush with plenty of water. Contact your healthcare provider right away if the irritation lasts.
• Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce side effect risks, use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
• If you are using Flector Patch "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. Tell your healthcare provider if your pain lasts or gets worse.

Don’ts

• Do not use any moisturizing soaps, lotions, astringents, or other skin care products on the chosen skin area. 
• Do not apply the patch on burns, cuts, or irritated skin (such as eczema).
• Do not wear the patch during bathing or showering. Take baths/showers at times that you normally change the patch.
• Do not increase your dose or use this patch more often than prescribed. 

Common Side Effects

• Skin reactions at the site of treatment, including itching, inflamed skin, and burning.
• Stomach discomfort or intestinal problems, such as nausea, altered taste, and upset stomach.
• Nervous disorders, including headache, tingling of the skin, and sleepiness.

Severe Side Effects

• Difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat.
• Skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling.
• Chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder.
• Sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, and leg swelling.

Be aware of these potential side effects and seek medical attention if necessary. If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns about using Flector Patch, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate medical attention.

Before using Flector Patch, individuals should inform their healthcare provider if they are allergic to any drugs, have heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, stomach ulcer or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, asthma, polyps in the nose, or if they smoke.

Patients with pre-existing asthma sensitive to aspirin should not use Flector Patch, as it could cause severe and even fatal bronchospasm.

If a dose is missed, the Flector patch should be applied as soon as remembered and worn for 12 hours before applying a new one. Extra patches should not be used to make up for the missed dose.

Patients with heart disease or risk factors for it have a greater likelihood of heart attack or stroke following NSAID use than patients without these risk factors.

Flector Patch may cause serious skin reactions and hematologic toxicity.

The concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone.

Starting at 30 weeks gestation, patients should avoid the use of Flector Patch and other NSAIDs, as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus may occur.

Flector Patch should not be used right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

Adhere to these warnings and precautions when using Flector Patch and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.