Flector (diclofenac) is a medication used to treat the pain of minor sprains, strains and bruising injuries, says Drugs.com. Flector is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works to reduce pain and inflammation. The National Library of Medicine indicates that Flector is available as a topical (applied on the skin) patch. Typically, you will place one patch onto the affected region twice a day.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Flector's common side effects include peeling, dryness and itching of your skin. These are typical symptoms of most medical patches. The patch sticks to your skin and can cause irritation. Flector can also cause fever, chills, sore throat (pharyngitis) or body aches. These are all symptoms of a possible infection. Seek your physician's assistance when Flector causes any of these symptoms. She may decrease the frequency in which you use Flector or may switch you to another NSAID medication.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Flector may increase your chances of developing a heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke (cerebrovascular accident) or blood clots (thrombotic events). Manifestations of a heart attack include a severe and crushing chest pain that moves down your arm, sweating (diaphoresis), shortness of breath and nausea. Stroke symptoms include a sudden and severe headache, sudden numbness or tingling (paresthesias) of one side of your body, and trouble talking (dysarthria). Flector also causes blood clot formation. A blood clot that blocks the major blood vessels of your heart (coronary artery) can result in a heart attack. A blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in your brain can result in a stroke. Blood clots can also form in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). Signs of a deep vein thrombosis include leg swelling (edema) and leg pain. Signs of pulmonary embolism include a fast heart rate (tachycardia) and trouble breathing.
Flector can also increase your risk of stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) bleeding, ulcers and perforation. Typically, you will experience severe stomach pain, rectal bleeding, black stools (melena) or bloody stools. Drugs.com indicates that Flector can also cause yellowing of your skin (jaundice) and clay-colored stools. These are typically signs of liver injury. Stop Flector and call your doctor when it causes any of these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Flector if you are hypersensitive to diclofenac or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Manifestations of an allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, and edema (swelling) of your lips, tongue or throat. Avoid using sunscreens, lotions or insect repellents while taking Flector as this can exacerbate skin irritation. Do not combine Flector with warfarin, cyclosporine, steroids or benazepril as it can interact with these drugs and be less effective.
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