Indications
Flector Patch is a prescription medication used to relieve localized pain and inflammation in acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions. Flector Patch contains the active ingredient diclofenac epolamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing the amount of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Flector Patch should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin over the area of pain. The patch should be worn for 12 hours and then removed for 12 hours, and a new patch should be applied to a different skin site.
Uses and Dosage
Flector Patch should be applied to intact skin over the area of pain. The patch comes in a resealable envelope. When opening the envelope for the first time, cut it open as instructed. Remove a patch from the envelope and reseal the envelope. The patch should not be cut or damaged before or during use. Reseal the envelope after each opening, or the remaining patches will not stick correctly.
Before applying the patch, remove the clear liner. Then, apply the patch to the skin to cover the most painful area. Do not apply the patch on burns, cuts, or irritated skin (such as eczema). Use the patch as directed by your doctor. The patch should be worn for 12 hours and then removed for 12 hours, and a new patch should be applied to a different skin site. Only one patch should be worn at a time. Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard it out of reach of children and pets. If the patch begins to peel off, you may tape the edges to the skin.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Flector Patch (Diclofenac Epolamine Patch):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Mild itching, burning, redness, or other skin irritation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Flector Patch (Diclofenac Epolamine Patch):
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Burning eyes
- Chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
- Clay-colored stools
- Cold hands and feet
- Dark urine
- Difficult breathing
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hives
- Itching
- Little or no urination
- Loss of appetite
- Pale skin
- Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling,
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Skin pain
- Skin rash
- Slurred speech
- Sore throat
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Swelling in your face or throat
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Tired feeling
- Tiredness
- Unusual tiredness
- Upper stomach pain
- Wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Flector Patch (Diclofenac Epolamine Patch) is available in the following forms and strength:
Flector Patch: Patch
- 1.30%
Caution
- Before using Flector, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, a blood clotting disorder, asthma or polyps in your nose, or if you smoke.
- If you take high doses of Diclofenac or use it for an extended period, you may be at an increased risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, particularly if you have heart disease.
- Avoid using Flector right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
- Flector can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.
- If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks after taking aspirin or an NSAID, or if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Solaraze, Pennsaid, and other brands), you should avoid using Flector.
- Tel your doctor if you see symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- To prevent potential irritation, do not use Flector patch near sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. If the patch does inadvertently come into contact with these areas, rinse them immediately with water. If eye irritation persists for more than 1 hour, it is recommended to consult your doctor.
- Avoid the use of Flector Patch at or beyond 30 weeks gestation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Flector Patch be used with other medications?
Flector Patch may interact with some medications, including other NSAIDs and blood thinners. It is important to let your healthcare provider know about all medications you are taking before starting Flector Patch.
How can I get Flector Patch?
Flector Patch is a prescription medication and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Can Flector Patch be used during pregnancy?
Flector Patch should not be used during the last trimester of pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may harm the fetus or nursing infant.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-149654/flector-transdermal/details
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e58641de-b6fd-484c-8902-b9262d7ce251&type=display
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021234s005lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/flector-patch-drug.htm
- https://www.flector.com/
- https://www.drugs.com/flector.html
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