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Black Box Warning
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISK:
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
Cardiovascular Risk:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS AND (5.1)].
Flector Patch is contraindicated in the peri-operative setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
Gastrointestinal Risk:
NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events
Overview
Diclofenac (patch) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is FDA approved for the treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Indications
Flector® Patch is indicated for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions.
Dosage
General Instructions
The recommended dose of Flector Patch is one (1) patch to the most painful area twice a day.
2.2 Special Precautions
Patients should be informed that, if Flector Patch begins to peel-off, the edges of the patch may be taped down. If problems with adhesion persist, patients may overlay the patch with a mesh netting sleeve, where appropriate (e.g. to secure patches applied to ankles, knees, or elbows). The mesh netting sleeve (e.g. Curad® Hold Tite™, Surgilast® Tubular Elastic Dressing) must allow air to pass through and not be occlusive (non-breathable).
Do not apply Flector Patch to non-intact or damaged skin resulting from any etiology e.g. exudative dermatitis, eczema, infected lesion, burns or wounds.
Do not wear a Flector Patch when bathing or showering.
Wash your hands after applying, handling or removing the patch.
Avoid eye contact.
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Patch (10 × 14 cm) containing 180 mg of diclofenac epolamine, embossed with "FLECTOR PATCH <DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL PATCH> 1.3%"
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Diclofenac (patch) in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Diclofenac (patch) in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Diclofenac (patch) in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Diclofenac (patch) in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
Condition1
Warnings
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISK:
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
Cardiovascular Risk:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS AND (5.1)].
Flector Patch is contraindicated in the peri-operative setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
Gastrointestinal Risk:
NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events
Description
Precautions
Description
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
There is limited information regarding Clinical Trial Experience of Diclofenac (patch) in the drug label.
Body as a Whole
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Endocrine
Hematologic and Lymphatic
Metabolic and Nutritional
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Respiratory
Skin and Hypersensitivy Reactions
Special Senses
Urogenital
Miscellaneous
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Diclofenac (patch) in the drug label.