Pennsaid is a topical medication consisting of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 1.50%!

Pennsaid is used to treat knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition where the tissue that cushions the joint, called cartilage, slowly wears away and results in the bones rubbing together. Osteoarthritis affects more than just the knees, however, this medication is meant specifically for the knees and won’t help treat other areas of the body affected by this condition.

Pennsaid (diclofenac) is effective in treating knee pain associated with osteoarthritis due to its ability to reduce the substances in the body that cause pain to be felt.

You should only use this medication the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not use more or less of this medication and do not use it for conditions it was not prescribed for. This medication is commonly applied 2 times a day. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Before applying Pennsaid

• Remove the cap and prime the pump as directed by the manufacturer
• Wash your hands

Applying Pennsaid

• Apply the solution on clean, dry skin
• Spread the solution over the front, back, and sides of the knee

After applying Pennsaid

• Wash your hands
• Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing the area
• Wait at least 30 minutes before you bathe or shower
• Wait until the area is dry before applying cosmetics, sunscreen, lotions, insect repellent, or other medicated skin products

Do not use Pennsaid (diclofenac)

Do not use this product if you had a recent or upcoming heart bypass surgery.

This product should not be used by those who are allergic to diclofenac.

If you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID; do not use this product.

This product is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a smoking addiction, a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, liver or kidney disease, or fluid retention.

Risks

This medication may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. This risk is higher in those who use this drug long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease.

Using this drug in the final 3 months of pregnancy poses risk to the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast feeding while using this medication.

Common side effects of Pennsaid (diclofenac) may include:

indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea, constipation; headache, dizziness, drowsiness; stuffy nose; itching, increased sweating; increased blood pressure; or swelling or pain in your arms or legs.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Pennsaid (diclofenac) may include:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion); swelling or rapid weight gain; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion; pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What are some drugs I should avoid while using this medication?

During the time of treatment, the main drugs you will want to avoid include; aspirin or other NSAID pain medications (including celecoxib, Celebrex, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, ibuprofen, Motrin, naproxen, Aleve, Anaprox, and others), antidepressant medications, cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill", or steroid medicine (prednisone and others).

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with diclofenac (Pennsaid). Consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with diclofenac.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon you remember. If you next dose is soon, you may skip the missed dose. Do not attempt to make up for the miss dose by doubling up on medication.

How should I store this medication?

This medication should be kept in an upright position at all times when not in use. Store Pennsaid in an area where it does not risk getting wet or heated up. Do not freeze this medication.

Is this product safe for children to use?

No. This product is not approved for the use of children. Consult your doctor about appropriate pain medication for children with knee pain.