Other
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
- DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Contraindications (4)and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
- NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) 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 and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration.
- Avoid administration of more than one NSAID at a time.
- Avoid use in patients at higher risk unless benefits are expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding. For such patients, as well as those with active GI bleeding, consider alternate therapies other than NSAIDs.
- Remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding during NSAID therapy.
- If a serious GI adverse event is suspected, promptly initiate evaluation and treatment, and discontinue DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% until a serious GI adverse event is ruled out.
- In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, monitor patients more closely for evidence of GI bleeding [ see Drug Interactions (7)].
- Instruct patients that, if DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% begins to peel-off, the edges of the topical system may be taped down. If problems with adhesion persist, patients may overlay the topical system with a mesh netting sleeve, where appropriate (e.g. to secure topical systems 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).
- Instruct patients not to apply DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% to non-intact or damaged skin resulting from any etiology e.g. exudative dermatitis, eczema, infected lesion, burns or wounds.
- Instruct patients not to wear a DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% when bathing or showering.
- Instruct patients to wash hands after applying, handling or removing the topical system.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation
Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10–14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG [ see Contraindications (4)].
Post-MI Patients
Observational studies conducted in the Danish National Registry have demonstrated that patients treated with NSAIDs in the post-MI period were at increased risk of reinfarction, CV-related death, and all-cause mortality beginning in the first week of treatment. In this same cohort, the incidence of death in the first year post-MI was 20 per 100 person years in NSAID-treated patients compared to 12 per 100 person years in non-NSAID exposed patients. Although the absolute rate of death declined somewhat after the first year post-MI, the increased relative risk of death in NSAID users persisted over at least the next four years of follow-up.
Avoid the use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% in patients with a recent MI unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of recurrent CV thrombotic events. If DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.
Risk Factors for GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation
Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding who used NSAIDs had a greater than 10-fold increased risk for developing a GI bleed compared to patients without these risk factors. Other factors that increase the risk of GI bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include longer duration of NSAID therapy; concomitant use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); smoking; use of alcohol; older age; and poor general health status. Most postmarketing reports of fatal GI events occurred in elderly or debilitated patients. Additionally, patients with advanced liver disease and/or coagulopathy are at increased risk for GI bleeding.
Strategies to Minimize the GI Risks in NSAID-Treated Patients:
Renal Toxicity
Long-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other renal injury.
Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients, administration of an NSAID may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, dehydration, hypovolemia, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.
No information is available from controlled clinical studies regarding the use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% in patients with advanced renal disease. The renal effects of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% may hasten the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with pre-existing renal disease.
Correct volume status in dehydrated or hypovolemic patients prior to initiating DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%. Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia during use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% [ see Drug Interactions (7)] .Avoid the use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% in patients with advanced renal disease unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening renal function. If DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is used in patients with advanced renal disease, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function.
Hyperkalemia
Increases in serum potassium concentration, including hyperkalemia, have been reported with use of NSAIDs, even in some patients without renal impairment. In patients with normal renal function, these effects have been attributed to a hyporeninemic-hypoaldosteronism state.
Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus:
Avoid use of NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, in pregnant women at about 30 weeks gestation and later. NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, increase the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus at approximately this gestational age.
Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment:
Use of NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation.
Oligohydramnios is often, but not always, reversible with treatment discontinuation. Complications of prolonged oligohydramnios may, for example, include limb contractures and delayed lung maturation. In some postmarketing cases of impaired neonatal renal function, invasive procedures such as exchange transfusion or dialysis were required.
If NSAID treatment is necessary between about 20 weeks and 30 weeks gestation, limit DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% treatment extends beyond 48 hours. Discontinue DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% if oligohydramnios occurs and follow up according to clinical practice [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Adult Clinical Trials Experience
In controlled trials during the premarketing development of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, approximately 600 patients with minor sprains, strains, and contusions were treated with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% for up to two weeks.
Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment
In the controlled trials, 3% of patients in both the DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and placebo groups discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation were application site reactions, occurring in 2% of both the DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and placebo groups. Application site reactions leading to dropout included pruritus, dermatitis, and burning.
Common Adverse Events
Overall, the most common adverse events associated with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% treatment were skin reactions at the site of treatment. Table 1lists all adverse events, regardless of causality, occurring in ≥ 1% of patients in controlled trials of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%. A majority of patients treated with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% had adverse events with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate."
| Category | Diclofenac
N=572 | Placebo
N=564 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | Percent | N | Percent | |
| Application Site Conditions | 64 | 11 | 70 | 12 |
| Pruritus | 31 | 5 | 44 | 8 |
| Dermatitis | 9 | 2 | 3 | <1 |
| Burning | 2 | <1 | 8 | 1 |
| Other
Includes: application site dryness, irritation, erythema, atrophy, discoloration, hyperhidriosis, and vesicles. | 22 | 4 | 15 | 3 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | 49 | 9 | 33 | 6 |
| Nausea | 17 | 3 | 11 | 2 |
| Dysgeusia | 10 | 2 | 3 | <1 |
| Dyspepsia | 7 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| Other
Includes: gastritis, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, and dry mouth. | 15 | 3 | 11 | 2 |
| Nervous System Disorders | 13 | 2 | 18 | 3 |
| Headache | 7 | 1 | 10 | 2 |
| Paresthesia | 6 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| Somnolence | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Other
Includes: hypoesthesia, dizziness, and hyperkinesias. | 4 | 1 | 3 | <1 |
Foreign labeling describes that dermal allergic reactions may occur with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% treatment. Additionally, the treated area may become irritated or develop itching, erythema, edema, vesicles, or abnormal sensation.
Pediatric Clinical Trials Experience
In one open-label trial, 104 male and female pediatric patients 6 years and older presenting with minor strains, sprains, and contusions received DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3 % twice a day for as many as 16 days. The most commonly reported adverse events (incidence ≥ 2%) were headache (9%), application site pruritus (7%), nausea (3%), and dyspepsia (3%). No adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment.
Risk Summary
Use of NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations, Data).
Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus
Use of NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment
Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment.
Data from observational studies regarding other potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive.
In animal reproduction studies, diclofenac epolamine administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced embryotoxicity at approximately 3 and 7 times, respectively, the topical exposure from the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%. In rats, increased incidences of skeletal anomalies and maternal toxicity were also observed at this dose. Diclofenac epolamine administered orally to both male and female rats prior to mating and throughout the mating period, and during gestation and lactation in females produced embryotoxicity at doses approximately 3 and 7 times, respectively, the topical exposure from the MRHD (see Data) .
Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as diclofenac, resulted in increased pre- and post-implantation loss. Prostaglandins also have been shown to have an important role in fetal kidney development. In published animal studies, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been reported to impair kidney development when administered at clinically relevant doses.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus:
Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy, because NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus ( see Data).
Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment:
If an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy, limit the use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. If DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% treatment extends beyond 48 hours, consider monitoring with ultrasound for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and follow up according to clinical practice ( see Data).
Data
Human Data
Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus:
Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment:
Published studies and postmarketing reports describe maternal NSAID use at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy associated with fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation. In many cases, but not all, the decrease in amniotic fluid was transient and reversible with cessation of the drug. There have been a limited number of case reports of maternal NSAID use and neonatal renal dysfunction without oligohydramnios, some of which were irreversible. Some cases of neonatal renal dysfunction required treatment with invasive procedures, such as exchange transfusion or dialysis.
Methodological limitations of these postmarketing studies and reports include lack of a control group; limited information regarding dose, duration, and timing of drug exposure; and concomitant use of other medications. These limitations preclude establishing a reliable estimate of the risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes with maternal NSAID use. Because the published safety data on neonatal outcomes involved mostly preterm infants, the generalizability of certain reported risks to the full-term infant exposed to NSAIDs through maternal use is uncertain.
Animal Data
Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg diclofenac epolamine via oral gavage daily from gestation days 6 to 15. Maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and increased incidence of skeletal anomalies were noted with 6 mg/kg/day diclofenac epolamine, which corresponds to 3 times the maximum recommended daily exposure in humans based on a body surface area comparison. Pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were administered 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg diclofenac epolamine via oral gavage daily from gestation days 6 to 18. No maternal toxicity was noted; however, embryotoxicity was evident at 6 mg/kg/day group which corresponds to 7 times the maximum recommended daily exposure in humans based on a body surface area comparison.
Male rats were orally administered diclofenac epolamine (1, 3, 6 mg/kg) for 60 days prior to mating and throughout the mating period, and females were given the same doses 14 days prior to mating and through mating, gestation, and lactation. Embryotoxicity was observed at 6 mg/kg diclofenac epolamine (3 times the maximum recommended daily exposure in humans based on a body surface area comparison), and was manifested as an increase in early resorptions, post-implantation losses, and a decrease in live fetuses. The number of live born and total born were also reduced as was F1 postnatal survival, but the physical and behavioral development of surviving F1 pups in all groups was the same as the deionized water control, nor was reproductive performance adversely affected despite a slight treatment-related reduction in body weight.
Risk Summary
Data from published literature reports with oral preparations of diclofenac indicate the presence of small amounts of diclofenac in human milk (see Data) . There are no data on the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
One woman treated orally with a diclofenac salt, 150 mg/day, had a milk diclofenac level of 100 mcg/L, equivalent to an infant dose of about 0.03 mg/kg/day. Diclofenac was not detectable in breast milk in 12 women using diclofenac (after either 100 mg/day orally for 7 days or a single 50 mg intramuscular dose administered in the immediate postpartum period). The relative bioavailability for DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is <1% of a single 50 mg diclofenac tablet.
Infertility
Females
Based on the mechanism of action, the use of prostaglandin-mediated NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. Published animal studies have shown that administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors has the potential to disrupt prostaglandin- mediated follicular rupture required for ovulation. Small studies in women treated with NSAIDs have also shown a reversible delay in ovulation. Consider withdrawal of NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, in women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility.
Absorption- Adults
Following a single application of the DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% on the upper inner arm, peak plasma concentrations of diclofenac (range 0.7 – 6 ng/mL) were noted between 10 – 20 hours of application. Plasma concentrations of diclofenac in the range of 1.3 – 8.8 ng/mL were noted after five days with twice-a-day DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% application.
Systemic exposure (AUC) and maximum plasma concentrations of diclofenac, after repeated dosing for four days with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, were lower (<1%) than after a single oral 50-mg diclofenac sodium tablet.
The pharmacokinetics of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% has been tested in healthy volunteers at rest or undergoing moderate exercise (cycling 20 min/h for 12 h at a mean HR of 100.3 bpm). No clinically relevant differences in systemic absorption were observed, with peak plasma concentrations in the range of 2.2 – 8.1 ng/mL while resting, and 2.7 – 7.2 ng/mL during exercise.
Absorption– Pediatrics
Diclofenac plasma concentration was assessed in pediatric patients 6 years and older at a fixed time point 24-hours after the initial application and at the final visit (Day 3 – 15). The resulting average concentrations were 1.65 ng/mL and 1.80 ng/mL, respectively, both of which are similar to the values observed in adults.
Distribution
Diclofenac has a very high affinity (>99%) for human serum albumin. Diclofenac diffuses into and out of the synovial fluid. Diffusion into the joint occurs when plasma levels are higher than those in the synovial fluid, after which the process reverses, and synovial fluid levels are higher than plasma levels. It is not known whether diffusion into the joint plays a role in the effectiveness of diclofenac.
Elimination
Metabolism
Five diclofenac metabolites have been identified in human plasma and urine. The metabolites include 4'-hydroxy-, 5-hydroxy-, 3'-hydroxy-, 4',5-dihydroxy- and 3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxy diclofenac. The major diclofenac metabolite, 4'hydroxy-diclofenac, has very weak pharmacologic activity. The formation of 4'-hydroxy diclofenac is primarily mediated by CPY2C9. Both diclofenac and its oxidative metabolites undergo glucuronidation or sulfation followed by biliary excretion. Acylglucuronidation mediated by UGT2B7 and oxidation mediated by CPY2C8 may also play a role in diclofenac metabolism. CYP3A4 is responsible for the formation of minor metabolites, 5-hydroxy and 3'-hydroxy- diclofenac.
Excretion
The plasma elimination half-life of diclofenac after application of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is approximately 12 hours. Diclofenac is eliminated through metabolism and subsequent urinary and biliary excretion of the glucuronide and the sulfate conjugates of the metabolites. Little or no free unchanged diclofenac is excreted in the urine. Approximately 65% of the dose is excreted in the urine and approximately 35% in the bile as conjugates of unchanged diclofenac plus metabolites.
Specific Populations
The pharmacokinetics of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% has not been investigated in children less than 6 years old, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, or specific racial groups.
Drug Interaction Studies
Aspirin:When NSAIDs were administered with aspirin, the protein binding of NSAIDs were reduced, although the clearance of free NSAID was not altered. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. See Table 1for clinically significant drug interactions of NSAIDs with aspirin [ see Drug Interactions (7)] .
Carcinogenesis
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of either diclofenac epolamine or DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%.
Mutagenesis
Diclofenac epolamine is not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimuriumstrains, nor does it induce an increase in metabolic aberrations in cultured human lymphocytes, or the frequency of micronucleated cells in the bone marrow micronucleus test performed in rats.
Impairment of Fertility
Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg/day diclofenac epolamine via oral gavage (males treated for 60 days prior to conception and during mating period, females treated for 14 days prior to mating through day 19 of gestation). Diclofenac epolamine treatment with 6 mg/kg/day resulted in increased early resorptions and post-implantation losses; however, no effects on the mating and fertility indices were found. The 6 mg/kg/day dose corresponds to 3 times the maximum recommended daily exposure in humans based on a body surface area comparison.
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of cardiovascular thrombotic events, including chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurring of speech, and to report any of these symptoms to their health care provider immediately [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation
Advise patients to report symptoms of ulcerations and bleeding, including epigastric pain, dyspepsia, melena, and hematemesis to their health care provider. In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, inform patients of the increased risk for and the signs and symptoms of GI bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hepatotoxicity
Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, diarrhea, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and "flu-like" symptoms). If these occur, instruct patients to stop DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and seek immediate medical therapy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Heart Failure and Edema
Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of congestive heart failure including shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or edema and to contact their healthcare provider if such symptoms occur [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Anaphylactic Reactions
Inform patients of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). Instruct patients to seek immediate emergency help if these occur [ see Contraindications (4)and Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Serious Skin Reactions including DRESS
Advise patients to stop using DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% immediately if they develop any type of rash or fever and to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.105.9)].
Female Fertility
Advise females of reproductive potential who desire pregnancy that NSAIDs, including DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3%, may delay or prevent rupture of ovarian follicles, which has been associated with reversible infertility in some women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]
Fetal Toxicity
Inform pregnant women to avoid use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% and other NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks of gestation because of the risk of the premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. If treatment with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% is needed for a pregnant woman between about 20 to 30 weeks gestation, advise her that she may need to be monitored for oligohydramnios, if treatment continues for longer than 48 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .
Avoid Concomitant Use of NSAIDs
Inform patients that the concomitant use of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) is not recommended due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity, and little or no increase in efficacy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)and Drug Interactions (7)]. Alert patients that NSAIDs may be present in "over the counter" medications for treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia.
Use of NSAIDS and Low-Dose Aspirin
Inform patients not to use low-dose aspirin concomitantly with DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% until they talk to their healthcare provider [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Eye Exposure
Instruct patients to avoid contact of DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE TOPICAL SYSTEM 1.3% with the eyes and mucosa. Advise patients that if eye contact occurs, immediately wash out the eye with water or saline and consult a physician if irritation persists for more than an hour [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)].
Special Application Instructions
Relabeled by:
Enovachem PHARMACEUTICALS
Torrance, CA 90501