What is Pennsaid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Pennsaid

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Do not use external heat or bandages on the treated skin or joint.

• Do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 30 minutes after you apply Pennsaid® or Solaraze® or 1 hour after you apply Voltaren®.

• Wait until the medicine dries before you cover the treated skin with gloves or clothing. Do not let the treated skin touch any other person's skin until the medicine is completely dry.

• Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

• Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

• Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Use your medicine as directed. There are several brands of this medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the brand you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

• The diclofenac 1% gel comes with a dosing card to measure the correct dose. If you do not receive or misplace your dosing card, call your pharmacist to ask for a new one.

• Voltaren® gel: Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pennsaid

Pennsaid contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin or another NSAID medication.

Pennsaid warnings

• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

• 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.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clot, heart attack, heart failure, or strokeBleeding in your stomach or intestinesLiver problemsKidney problems and high potassium levelsSerious skin reactions

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, other heart or blood vessel problems, a recent heart attack, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not safe to use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy.

Pennsaid interactions

• 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.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. You may use sunscreen, insect repellant, lotion, or other topical medicines after using Pennsaid®. However, wait until the medicine is completely dry before you apply anything else.

• Do not use any other NSAID unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, or salsalate.

• Some medicines can affect how diclofenac 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 depressionSteroids (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)