Diclofenac Sodium Topical

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diclofenac sodium topical gel is indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). Diclofenac sodium topical gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] For the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s), the recommended dose is 40 drops per knee, 4 times a day. Apply diclofenac sodium topical solution to clean, dry skin. To avoid spillage, dispense diclofenac sodium topical solution 10 drops at a time either directly onto the knee or first into the hand and then onto the knee. Spread diclofenac sodium topical solution evenly around front, back and sides of the knee. Repeat this procedure until 40 drops have been applied and the knee is completely covered with solution. To treat the other knee, if symptomatic, repeat the procedure. Application of diclofenac sodium topical solution in an amount exceeding or less than the recommended dose has not been studied and is therefore not recommended. 2.2 Special Precautions · Avoid showering/bathing for at least 30 minutes after the application of diclofenac sodium topical solution to the treated knee. · Wash and dry hands after use. · Do not apply diclofenac sodium topical solution to open wounds. · Avoid contact of diclofenac sodium topical solution with eyes and mucous membranes. · Do not apply external heat and/or occlusive dressings to treated knees. · Avoid wearing clothing over the diclofenac sodium topical solution-treated knee(s) until the treated knee is dry. · Protect the treated knee(s) from natural or artificial sunlight · Wait until the treated area is dry before applying sunscreen, insect repellant, lotion, moisturizer, cosmetics, or other topical medication to the same knee you have just treated with diclofenac sodium topical solution Until the treated knee(s) is completely dry, avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee(s). · Do not use combination therapy with diclofenac sodium topical solution and an oral NSAID unless the benefit outweighs the risk and conduct periodic laboratory evaluations. · Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. · The recommended dose is 40 drops on each painful knee, 4 times a day. (2) · Apply diclofenac sodium topical solution to clean, dry skin. (2.1) · Dispense diclofenac sodium topical solution 10 drops at a time either directly onto the knee or first into the hand and then onto the knee. Spread diclofenac sodium topical solution evenly around front, back and sides of the knee. Repeat this procedure until 40 drops have been applied and the knee is completely covered with solution. (2.1) · Wash hands completely after administering the product. · Wait until the area is completely dry before covering with clothing or applying sunscreen, insect repellent, cosmetics, topical medications, or other substances. · Until the treated knee(s) is completely dry, avoid skin-to-skin contact between other people and the treated knee(s). (2.2) · Do not get diclofenac sodium topical solution in your eyes, nose or mouth (2.2).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Anaphylactic Reactions: Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. ( 5.1 ) Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity: Diclofenac sodium topical gel is contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Monitor patients with pre-existing asthma (without aspirin sensitivity). ( 5.2 ) Serious Skin Reactions: Discontinue diclofenac sodium topical gel at first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity. ( 5.3 , 5.15 ) Hepatoxicity: Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop. ( 5.6 ) Hypertension: Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure. ( 5.7 , 7 ) Heart Failure and Edema: Avoid use of diclofenac sodium topical gel in patients with severe heart failure. ( 5.8 ) Renal Toxicity: Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Avoid use of diclofenac sodium topical gel in patients with advanced renal disease. ( 5.9 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): Discontinue diclofenac sodium topical gel and evaluate clinically. ( 5.10 ) Fetal Toxicity: Limit use of NSAIDs, including diclofenac sodium topical gel, between about 20 to 30 weeks in pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. ( 5.11 , 8.1 ) Hematologic Toxicity: Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia. ( 5.12 , 7 ). Photosensitivity: Avoid exposure of treated area(s) to natural or artificial sunlight. ( 5.15 ) Exposure to Eyes and Mucosal Membranes: Avoid contact of diclofenac sodium topical gel with eyes and mucosal membranes. ( 5.16 ) Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Avoid concurrent use with oral NSAIDs. ( 5.17 ) 5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions Diclofenac has been associated with anaphylactic reactions in patients with and without known hypersensitivity to diclofenac and in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. 5.2 Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity A subpopulation of patients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma which may include chronic rhinosinusitis complicated by nasal polyps; severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm; and/or intolerance to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Because cross-reactivity between aspirin and other NSAIDs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, diclofenac sodium topical gel is contraindicated in patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity. When diclofenac sodium topical gel is used in patients with preexisting asthma (without known aspirin sensitivity), monitor patients for changes in the signs and symptoms of asthma. 5.3 Serious Skin Reactions NSAIDs, including diclofenac, can cause serious skin adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. NSAIDs can also cause fixed drug eruption (FDE). FDE may present as a more severe variant known as generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), which can be life-threatening. These serious events may occur without warning. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin reactions, and to discontinue the use of diclofenac sodium topical gel at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Diclofenac sodium topical gel is contraindicated in patients with previous serious skin reactions to NSAIDs. Do not apply diclofenac sodium topical gel to open skin wounds, infections, or exfoliative dermatitis, as it may affect absorption and tolerability of the drug [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.4 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently at higher doses. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur. There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as diclofenac, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events. Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Two controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10–14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG. Post-MI Patients Observational studies conducted in the Danish National Registry have demonstrated that patients treated with NSAIDs in the post-MI period were at increased risk of reinfarction, CV-related death, and all-cause mortality beginning in the first week of treatment. In this same cohort, the incidence of death in the first-year post MI was 20 per 100 person years in NSAID-treated patients compared to 12 per 100 person years in non-NSAID exposed patients. Although the absolute rate of death declined somewhat after the first year post-MI, the increased relative risk of death in NSAID users persisted over at least the next four years of follow-up. Avoid the use of diclofenac sodium topical gel in patients with a recent MI unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of recurrent CV thrombotic events. If diclofenac sodium topical gel is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Bleeding Ulceration and Perforation NSAIDs, including diclofenac, cause serious GI adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients treated with NSAIDs. Only one in five patients who develop a serious upper GI adverse event on NSAID therapy is symptomatic. Upper GI ulcers, gross bleeding, or perforation caused by NSAIDs occurred in approximately 1% of patients treated for 3 to 6 months, and in about 2% to 4% of patients treated for one year. However, even short-term NSAID therapy is not without risk. Risk Factors for GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding who used NSAIDs had a greater than 10-fold increased risk for developing a GI bleed compared to patie

CONTRAINDICATIONS Diclofenac sodium topical gel is contraindicated in the following patients: • With known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to diclofenac or any components of the drug product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3 , 5.10 ) and Description ( 11 )] • With the history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] • Application on damaged skin resulting from any etiology, including exudative dermatitis, eczema, infected lesions, burns or wounds [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • In the setting of coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or any components of the drug product. ( 4 , 11 ) • History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. ( 4 ) • Use on damaged skin. ( 4 ) • In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. ( 4 )

DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 2 for clinically significant drug interactions with diclofenac. Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Diclofenac Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact · Diclofenac and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of diclofenac and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. · Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention Monitor patients with concomitant use of diclofenac sodium with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11)] Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of NSAID alone [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] Intervention Concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11)]. Diclofenac sodium is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: · NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or beta-blockers (including propranolol). · In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, co-administration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Intervention: · During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained · During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and ACE-inhibitors or ARBs in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted, or have impaired renal function, monitor for signs of worsening renal function [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS(5.6)] · When these drugs are administered concomitantly, patients should be adequately hydrated. Assess renal function at the beginning of the concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, showed that NSAIDS reduced the natriuretic effect of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics in some patients. This effect has been attributed to the NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium with diuretics, observe patients for signs of worsening renal function, in addition to assuring diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)]. Digoxin Clinical Impact : The concomitant use of diclofenac with digoxin has been reported to increase the serum concentration and prolong the half-life digoxin. Intervention: During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and digoxin, monitor serum digoxin levels. Lithium Clinical Impact: NSAIDS have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15%, and the renal clearance decreased by approximately 20%. This effect has been attributed to NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and lithium, monitor patients for signs of lithium toxicity. Methotrexate Clinical Impact; Concomitant use of NSAIDs and methotrexate may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction). Intervention : During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and methotrexate, monitor patients for methotrexate toxicity. Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine’s nephrotoxicity. Intervention: During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and cyclosporine, monitor patients for signs or worsening renal function. NSAIDs and Salicylates Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of diclofenac with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]. Concomitant use of oral NSAIDs with diclofenac sodium has been evaluated in one Phase 3 controlled trial and in combination with oral diclofenac, compared to oral diclofenac alone, resulted in a higher rate of rectal hemorrhage (3% vs. less than 1%), and more frequent abnormal creatinine (12% vs. 7%), urea (20% vs. 12%) and hemoglobin (13% vs. 9%). Intervention: The concomitant use of diclofenac with other NSAIDs or salicyclates is not recommended. Do not use combination therapy with diclofenac sodium and an oral NSAID unless the benefit outweighs the risk and conduct periodic laboratory evaluations Pemetrexed Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and pemetrexed may increase the risk of pemetrexed-associated myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (see the pemetrexed prescribing information). Intervention: During concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and pemetrexed, in patients with renal impairment whose creatinine clearance ranges from 45 to 79 mL/min, monitor for myelosuppression, renal and GI toxicity. NSAIDs with short elimination half-lives (e.g., diclofenac, indomethacin) should be avoided for a period of two days before, the day of, and two days following administration pemetrexed. In the absence of data regarding potential interaction between pemetrexed and NSAIDs with longer half-lives (e.g., meloxicam, nabumetone), patients taking these NSAIDs should interrupt dosing for at least five days before, the day of, and two days following pemetrexed administration. · Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, SSRIs/SNRIs): Monitor patients for bleeding who are concomitantly using diclofenac sodium with drugs that interfere with hemostasis. Concomitant use of diclofenac sodium and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended (7) · ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB), or Beta- Blockers: Concomitant use with diclofenac sodium may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Monitor blood pressure (7) · ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Concomitant use with diclofenac sodium in elderly, volume depleted, or those with renal impairment may result in deterioration of renal function. In such high risk patients, monitor for signs of worsening renal function (7) · Diuretics: NSAIDS can reduce natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazide diuretics. Monitor patients to assure diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects (7) · Digoxin: Concomitant use with diclofenac sodium can increase serum concentration and prolong half-life of digoxin. Monitor serum digoxin levels (7)

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] DRESS [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Photosensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Most common adverse reactions with diclofenac sodium topical gel are application site reactions, including dermatitis. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/med.watch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Of the 423 subjects evaluable for safety in adequate and well-controlled trials, 211 were treated with diclofenac sodium topical gel drug product and 212 were treated with a vehicle gel. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of the diclofenac sodium topical gel-treated subjects (183 subjects) and 84% of the vehicle-treated subjects (178 subjects) experienced one or more adverse events (AEs) during the trials. The majority of these reactions were mild to moderate in severity and resolved upon discontinuation of therapy. Of the 211 subjects treated with diclofenac sodium topical gel, 172 (82%) experienced AEs involving skin and the application site compared to 160 (75%) vehicle-treated subjects. Application site reactions (ASRs) were the most frequent AEs in both diclofenac sodium topical gel- and vehicle-treated groups. Of note, four reactions, contact dermatitis, rash, dry skin and exfoliation (scaling) were significantly more prevalent in the diclofenac sodium topical gel group than in the vehicle-treated subjects. Eighteen percent of diclofenac sodium topical gel-treated subjects and 4% of vehicle-treated subjects discontinued from the clinical trials due to adverse events (whether considered related to treatment or not). These discontinuations were mainly due to skin irritation or related cutaneous adverse reactions. Table 1 below presents the AEs reported at an incidence of >1% for subjects treated with either diclofenac sodium topical gel or vehicle (60- and 90-day treatment groups) during the phase 3 trials. Table 1. Adverse Events Reported (>1% in Any Treatment Group) During Diclofenac sodium topical gel Phase 3 Clinical Trials Incidences for 60-Day and 90-Day Treatments 60-day Treatment 90-day Treatment Diclofenac sodium topical gel (%) Gel Vehicle (%) Diclofenac sodium topical gel (%) Gel Vehicle (%) N=48 N=49 N=114 N=114 BODY AS A WHOLE 21 20 20 18 Abdominal Pain 2 0 1 0 Accidental Injury 0 0 4 2 Allergic Reaction 0 0 1 3 Asthenia 0 0 2 0 Back Pain 4 0 2 2 Chest Pain 2 0 1 0 Chills 0 2 0 0 Flu Syndrome 10 6 1 4 Headache 0 6 7 6 Infection 4 6 4 5 Neck Pain 0 0 2 0 Pain 2 0 2 2 CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM 2 4 3 1 Hypertension 2 0 1 0 Migraine 0 2 1 0 Phlebitis 0 2 0 0 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 4 0 6 8 Constipation 0 0 0 2 Diarrhea 2 0 2 3 Dyspepsia 2 0 3 4 METABOLIC AND NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS 2 8 7 2 Creatine Phosphokinase Increased 0 0 4 1 Creatinine Increased 2 2 0 1 Edema 0 2 0 0 Hypercholesteremia 0 2 1 0 Hyperglycemia 0 2 1 0 SGOT Increased 0 0 3 0 SGPT Increased 0 0 2 0 MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM 4 0 3 4 Arthralgia 2 0 0 2 Arthrosis 2 0 0 0 Myalgia 2 0 3 1 NERVOUS SYSTEM 2 2 2 5 Anxiety 0 2 0 1 Dizziness 0 0 0 4 Hypokinesia 2 0 0 0 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM 8 8 7 6 Asthma 2 0 0 0 Dyspnea 2 0 2 0 Pharyngitis 2 8 2 4 Pneumonia 2 0 0 1 Rhinitis 2 2 2 2 Sinusitis 0 0 2 0 SKIN AND APPENDAGES 75 86 86 71 Acne 0 2 0 1 Application Site Reaction 75 71 84 70 Acne 0 4 1 0 Alopecia 2 0 1 1 Contact Dermatitis 19 4 33 4 Dry Skin 27 12 25 17 Edema 4 0 3 0 Exfoliation 6 4 24 13 Hyperesthesia 0 0 3 1 Pain 15 22 26 30 Paresthesia 8 4 20 20 Photosensitivity Reaction 0 2 3 0 Pruritus 31 59 52 45 Rash 35 20 46 17 Vesiculobullous Rash 0 0 4 1 Contact Dermatitis 2 0 0 0 Dry Skin 0 4 3 0 Herpes Simplex 0 2 0 0 Maculopapular Rash 0 2 0 0 Pain 2 2 1 0 Pruritus 4 6 4 1 Rash 2 10 4 0 Skin Carcinoma 0 6 2 2 Skin Nodule 0 2 0 0 Skin Ulcer 2 0 1 0 SPECIAL SENSES 2 0 4 2 Conjunctivitis 2 0 4 1 Eye Pain 0 2 2 0 UROGENITAL SYSTEM 0 0 4 5 Hematuria 0 0 2 1 OTHER 0 0 0 3 Procedure 0 0 0 3 Skin and Appendages Adverse Events Reported for diclofenac sodium topical gel at Less Than 1% Incidence in the Phase 3 Studies: skin hypertrophy, paresthesia, seborrhea, urticaria, application site reactions (skin carcinoma, hypertonia, skin hypertrophy lacrimation disorder, maculopapular rash, purpuric rash, vasodilation). Adverse Reactions Reported for Oral Diclofenac Dosage Form (not topical diclofenac sodium topical gel): *Incidence Greater than 1% marked with asterisk. Body as a Whole: abdominal pain or cramps*, headache*, fluid retention*, abdominal distention*, malaise, swelling of lips and tongue, photosensitivity, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, chest pain. Cardiovascular: hypertension, congestive heart failure, palpitations, flushing, tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, myocardial infarction, hypotension. Digestive: diarrhea*, indigestion*, nausea*, constipation*, flatulence*, liver test abnormalities*, PUB*, i.e., peptic ulcer, with or without bleeding and/or perforation, or bleeding without ulcer, vomiting, jaundice, melena, esophageal lesions, aphthous stomatitis, dry mouth and mucous membranes, bloody diarrhea, hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome, appetite change, pancreatitis with or without concomitant hepatitis, colitis, intestinal perforation. Hemic and Lymphatic: hemoglobin decrease, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, purpura, allergic purpura, bruising. Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: azotemia, hypoglycemia, weight loss. Nervous System: dizziness*, insomnia, drowsiness, depression, diplopia, anxiety, irritability, aseptic meningitis, convulsions, paresthesia, memory disturbance, nightmares, tremor, tic, abnormal coordination, disorientation, psychotic reaction. Respiratory: epistaxis, asthma, laryngeal edema, dyspnea, hyperventilation, edema of pharynx. Skin and Appendages: rash*, pruritus*, alopecia, urticaria, eczema, dermatitis, bullous eruption, erythema multiforme major, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, excess perspiration, exfoliative dermatitis. Special Senses: tinnitus*, blurred vision, taste disorder, reversible and irreversible hearing loss, scotoma, vitreous floaters, night blindness, amblyopia. Urogenital: nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, oliguria, interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, acute renal failure, urinary frequency, nocturia, hematuria, impotence, vaginal bleeding. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of diclofenac sodium topical gel and other topical diclofenac products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse reactions from diclofenac sodium topical gel: burning sensation, hypersensitivity. Skin and Appendages: exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE). Adverse

Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) is unknown.