The Flector patch is a topical application comprised of a 10 cm-by-14 cm sheet of adhesive woven polyester felt that is impregnated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac epolamine 1.3 percent. When applied to the skin over an area to be treated for pain and inflammation such as sprains, strains and contusions, the medication is absorbed slowly over time. As with any medication, there are risks of side effects from Flector patch usage. Patients should thoroughly acquaint themselves with these potential side effects before using the patch.
Puritis
Puritis refers to a state of itching that can be caused by a reaction to something that has come into contact with the skin, drug reactions and allergies. In the case of the Flector patch, the major cause of puritis stems from the adhesive used in the woven felt patch that secures it to the skin, causing a hypersensitivity reaction by the body resulting in the release of a substance called histamine (see Reference 1).
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin condition that is characterized by the formation of a rash, intense itching, erythema, or redness, scaling and loss of skin surface, also known as excoriation. If severe enough and chronic enough, the rash can cause permanent changes to the skin as a result of chronic scratching and rubbing, such as thickening and accentuation of skin lines. This is known as lichenification.
Dermatological reactions tend to stem more from local site application and ingredients in the gel delivery system. Contact dermatitis has been reported in upwards of 33 percent of users.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is often used as a generalized description of a group of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, heartburn and otherwise difficult digestion. People often use the term indigestion to describe the dyspeptic condition.
Somnolence
Somnolence describes a state of drowsiness and sleepiness that can be caused from many factors, including medications. Care must be taken to avoid potentially harmful activities such as driving and operating heavy machinery while using the Flector patch.
Prostaglandin Inhinition
Because diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, its action on the body to reduce pain and inflammation includes the inhibition of the production of a substance called cyclo-oxygenase, or COX. As a result, this action also inhibits the body's production of substances called prostaglandins, located within the epithelial layer of the stomach, which help protect the lining of the stomach against the corrosive effects of stomach acid and medications such as diclofenac. Consequently, this mechanism exposes the stomach to the formation of gastric ulcers and bleeding from erosion of its lining.
Member Comments