General Information on Solaraze gel
Solaraze gel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or an NSAID, which is used to treat join pain in hands, elbows, knees, ankles, wrists of a patient caused by osteoarthritis. The generic name of this drug is Diclofenac topical and the other brand names are Pennsaid and Voltaren Topical.
Solaraze gel works by inflammation- and pain-causing hormones in the body. It contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium in addition to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, hyaluronate sodium, benzyl alcohol, and purified water. This medication is available as 50gm Solaraze gel and 100gm Solaraze gel tubes. 1 gm of Solaraze gel contains 30 mg of diclofenac sodium.
You can only buy Solaraze gel as per a doctor’s prescription.
Side effects of Solaraze gel
You should not buy Solaraze gel online if :
- You have allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naxproxen and celecoxib
- You have certain medical conditions
- Aspirin sensitive asthma
Before you buy Solaraze gel, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Medical history especially of kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Recent heart bypass surgery
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder
- A history of stomach ulcer
Some of the common, side effects of this drug are:
- Diarrhea, gas
- Mild itching, redness, scaling, or other skin irritation
- Mild nausea
- Stomach pain
You should consult your doctor immediately if your experience any of the following side effects:
- Bloody or tarry stools, dark colored urine
- Pale or yellowed skin
- Bruising, severe tingling, numbness
- Fever, sore throat and headache
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling or rapid weight gain
- Confusion
Pregnant women should avoid Solaraze gel since it may lead to birth defects in an unborn baby. Nursing mothers should avoid this medicine since it passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby.
Dosage of Solaraze gel
The recommended dose of application is an effective amount of 50gm Solaraze gel tube or 100gm Solaraze gel tube twice a day. The amount needed depends upon the size of the affected joint/site. Usually 0.5 gm Solaraze gel is used on each 5 cm x 5 cm site. The recommended duration of therapy is 60 to 90 days. Complete relief of pain is evident only after 30 days of therapy.
To treat pain in the foot, Solaraze gel should be spread onto all the areas of the foot including toes and soles. And while treating the hand, Solaraze gel should be spread onto all the areas of the hand including the fingers and palms.
In case of a missed dose, a patient should apply the gel as soon as he or she remembers. You can continue with your regular schedule if it is already time for your next dose of this medicine. A patient should not apply extra gel to make up the missed dose. In case of an overdose, emergency medical help is needed.
Interactions
Solaraze gel may have drug interactions if used with warfarin, cyclosporine, lithium, a diuretic, steroids and blood pressure medication. Drinking alcohol should be totally avoided since it could lead to stomach bleeding. Moreover, sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, insect repellants should be avoided.
