Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

To use the skin patch or topical system:

  • Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if applied correctly.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch or topical system. Do not touch your eyes until after you have washed your hands. If it gets into your eyes, wash the eyes right away with water or saline. If eye irritation persists for more than one hour, call your doctor.
  • Apply the patch or topical system right away after removing it from the protective pouch. Do not cut it into smaller pieces and do not touch the sticky surface of the patch or topical system.
  • Apply the patch or topical system to a clean, dry, intact skin area. Choose an area with little or no hair and free of scars, cuts, or irritation. Avoid putting the patch or topical system on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
  • Press the patch or topical system firmly in place with your fingertips to make sure that the edges stick well. If the patch or topical system begins to peel off, the edges may be taped down.
  • If the patch or topical system still peels off, it may be used with a mesh netting sleeve (eg, Curad® Hold Tite™, Surgilast® Tubular Elastic Dressing) to hold the patch or topical system applied to the ankles, knees, or elbows. The mesh netting sleeve must not be occlusive and must allow air to pass through.
  • Do not use the patch or topical system when you take a bath or shower.
  • To help you remember to use your medicine, try to get into the habit of using it at regular times. If you are using the skin patch, try to change it at the same time and day of the week.

To use the topical gel:

  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • For Voltaren® 1% topical gel: Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the correct dose. The gel should be applied within the oblong area of the dosing card up to the 2 or 4 gram line (2 grams for each elbow, wrist, or hand, and 4 grams for each knee, ankle, or foot).
  • Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin.
  • Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
  • Do not use heating pads or cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.
  • Do not use cosmetics (eg, makeup or sunscreens) or other skin care products on the same skin areas where you have applied this medicine.
  • For Voltaren® 1% topical gel: After applying this medicine, do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 1 hour. Wait for at least 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with gloves or clothing.

To use the topical solution:

  • Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if applied correctly. Do not apply this medicine anywhere on your body other than where your doctor tells you.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the solution. If you get this medicine into your eyes, wash the eyes right away with water or saline. If eye irritation persists for more than 1 hour, call your doctor.
  • Apply the solution to a clean, dry, intact skin area. Choose an area free of open wounds scars, cuts, or irritation.
  • Put 10 drops of the solution at a time on your hand or directly to your knee. Apply the solution evenly on the front, back, and sides of your knee.
  • After using the Pennsaid® solution, wait for at least 30 minutes before showering or bathing.
  • Do not use external heat or dressings to the treated knee. Avoid wearing clothing or applying skin care products, such as sunscreen, insect repellant, lotion, moisturizer, or cosmetics, over the treated knee until the skin is completely dry.
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee until the skin is completely dry.
  • Protect the treated knee from sunlight.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (gel):
    • For actinic keratosis using Solaraze® 3% gel:
      • Adults—Apply to affected skin area 2 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists using Voltaren® 1% gel:
      • Adults—Apply 2 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 8 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel:
      • Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (solution):
    • For osteoarthritis of the knee:
      • Adults—40 drops (10 drops at a time) on each affected knee 4 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For transdermal dosage form (skin patch):
    • For acute pain:
      • Adults—One patch applied to the painful area 2 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For transdermal dosage form (topical system):
    • For acute pain:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One topical system applied to the most painful area 2 times a day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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