Diclofenac gel may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use diclofenac gel with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Diclofenac gel is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get it in any of these areas, rinse at once with cool water.
Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of diclofenac gel. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking diclofenac gel with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.
Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Diclofenac gel is an NSAID. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take aspirin while you are using diclofenac gel unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use sunscreens, lotions, insect repellants, or other topical medicines on the treated area.
Do not expose the treated area to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.
Diclofenac gel may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
Lab tests, including kidney and liver function, blood electrolyte levels, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use diclofenac gel. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use diclofenac gel with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
Diclofenac gel should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Diclofenac gel may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using diclofenac gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk after topical use. Do not breast-feed while taking diclofenac gel.