Pennsaid (active ingredient: diclofenac sodium) is a prescription topical medication used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis of the knee in adults.
It is applied directly to the skin over the affected knee, allowing diclofenac to work mainly in the area where the pain and inflammation are occurring.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that develops when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears down.
When osteoarthritis affects the knee, the joint may become painful, stiff, swollen, or difficult to move.
Common symptoms may include:
- Knee pain during movement
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Swelling around the joint
- Tenderness
- Reduced flexibility
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
Pennsaid is used to help reduce these symptoms and make everyday movement more comfortable.
How Pennsaid Works
Pennsaid belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diclofenac works by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase enzymes, also known as COX enzymes. These enzymes help the body produce substances called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are involved in pain, swelling, and inflammation.
By reducing prostaglandin production in the treated area, Pennsaid can help decrease:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Joint inflammation
Why Pennsaid Is Applied to the Skin
Pennsaid is a topical NSAID, which means it is applied directly to the skin rather than taken by mouth.
This allows diclofenac to reach the tissues around the affected knee while generally resulting in lower amounts of the medication circulating throughout the body than with oral diclofenac.
However, some diclofenac can still be absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, Pennsaid can still cause some of the same serious side effects associated with other NSAIDs.
What Pennsaid Can Help With
Pennsaid may help make activities such as walking, standing, bending the knee, and climbing stairs less uncomfortable when pain is caused by knee osteoarthritis.
The amount of relief can vary from person to person, and it may take regular use before the full benefit is noticed.
What Pennsaid Does Not Do
Pennsaid helps control the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but it does not cure the condition or restore damaged cartilage.
It is usually used as part of an overall osteoarthritis treatment plan, which may also include exercise, weight management, physical therapy, or other treatments recommended by a healthcare provider.
Important Treatment Note
Use Pennsaid only on the affected knee and exactly as prescribed.
Do not apply more medication or use it more often than recommended. Even though Pennsaid is applied to the skin, diclofenac is still an NSAID and can cause serious side effects in some people.
Contact your healthcare provider if your knee pain becomes worse, does not improve with treatment, or is accompanied by severe swelling, redness, or difficulty moving the joint.
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