Diclofenac which belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which works by

Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, thereby inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis
May also inhibit neutrophil aggregation/activation, inhibit chemotaxis, decrease proinflammatory cytokine level, and alter lymphocyte activity

muscle and joint injuries (e.g. sprains, strains, bruises, backache, sports injuries)
Back pain
tendonitis: Tendonitis is when a tendon swells (becomes inflamed) after a tendon injury. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and affect how a tendon moves. (e.g. tennis elbow)
osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands

Tear open the envelope containing the medicated plaster on the notch and remove the medicated plaster.
Ensure the envelope is properly sealed after removal of the patch
Remove the plastic backing from the adhesive side of the plaster
Apply slight pressure with the palms of your hand until complete adhesion to the skin is achieved.
If necessary, use gauze or a thin strip of tape

Moisten the plaster with water and peel away an edge of the plaster and pull smoothly away from the skin.
To remove any product residues, wash the affected area with water gently rubbing the area with your fingers using a circular movement.

Use the medicated plaster only on intact non-diseased skin.
Do not wear it when bathing or showering.
Do not divide the medicated plaster, by cutting with scissors, for example.
The recommended dose: The patch can be worn for up to 12 hours and then removed.
Not to exceed 2 patches in one day
Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

local skin reactions, such as skin redness, burning sensation, itching, inflamed skin redness, skin rash or swelling
Absorption of diclofenac into the body by the skin is very low compared to the drug concentration in the blood following diclofenac taken by mouth. Therefore, the likelihood of side effects occurring in the body as a whole (such as stomach or kidney problems or difficulty breathing) is very low.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Not preferred especially during the first 3 months

A lot of people find relief from gentle massage, and some hospice agencies have volunteers who are trained in massage therapy.
Relaxation techniques.
Physical therapy
Gel packs.

if you notice a skin rash that develops after applying the medicated plaster. If this happens, immediately remove the medicated plaster and stop the treatment.
Medicated Plaster should not be used in children and adolescents under 16 years of age because no adequate experience is available for this age group.
Stop taking the medication and tell your doctor straight away if you notice:

Sudden and crushing chest pain (signs of myocardial infarction or heart attack)
Breathlessness, difficulty breathing when lying down, swelling of the feet or legs (signs of heart failure)
Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body;
sudden loss or disturbance of vision; sudden difficulty in speaking or ability to understand
speech; sudden migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time, with or without disturbed vision. These symptoms can be an early sign of a stroke.
Stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, wind, nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick)
Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, for example, when emptying your bowels, blood in vomit or black, tarry feces
Allergic reactions can include skin rash, itching, bruising, painful red areas, peeling or blistering

Medicines to treat diabetes
Anticoagulants (blood-thinning tablets like warfarin)
Diuretics (water tablets)
Lithium (used to treat some mental problems)
Methotrexate (for some inflammatory diseases and some cancers)
Ciclosporin and tacrolimus (used to treat some inflammatory diseases and after transplants)
Trimethoprim (a medicine used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections)
Quinolone antibiotics (for infections)
Any other NSAID or COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2) inhibitor, for example, aspirin or ibuprofen
Cardiac glycosides (for example digoxin), used to treat heart problems
Medicines known as SSRIs used to treat depression
Oral steroids (an anti-inflammatory drug)
Medicines used to treat heart conditions or high blood pressure, for example, beta blockers or ACE inhibitors
Voriconazole (a medicine used to treat fungal infections)
Phenytoin (a medicine used to treat seizures)
Colestipol/cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol)

store below 25°c
Use within 3 months of cutting the envelope
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

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