Diclofenac gel is a medicated skin gel commonly prescribed to treat osteoarthritis or actinic keratosis. This eMedTV article offers information on how to use the gel, explains how the medicine works, and lists some of its possible side effects.
Common side effects of diclofenac gel include redness, itching, and pain at the application site. This eMedTV Web page lists other common side effects and also describes potentially serious side effects that require medical attention.
Diclofenac gel is licensed to treat osteoarthritis and actinic keratosis (a precancerous skin condition). This eMedTV resource discusses the uses of diclofenac gel in more detail, including possible off-label uses, and explains how this medication works.
The standard dosage of diclofenac gel for treating osteoarthritis is 2 or 4 grams applied four times a day. This eMedTV segment also provides dosing guidelines for the treatment of actinic keratosis and offers tips for using the skin gel.
Cyclosporine, lithium, and warfarin are medicines that diclofenac gel can interact with. This eMedTV article lists other medications that may interfere with diclofenac gel and describes the potential risks of these drug interactions.
You should not use diclofenac gel if you have recently had open heart surgery. This page on the eMedTV site provides other precautions and warnings with diclofenac gel, including more information on who should not use this medicated skin gel.
