It is used to treat arthritis, backache, sprain, mascular pain.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take softflex lotion?

If you have an allergy to softflex lotion or any other part of softflex lotion.

If you have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs.

If you are allergic to diclofenac gel (1%); any part of diclofenac gel (1%); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

If you have ever had asthma caused by a salicylate drug like aspirin or a drug like this one like NSAIDs.

If you have any of these health problems: Dehydration, GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding, heart failure (weak heart), kidney disease, or liver disease.

If you have had a recent heart attack.

If you are having trouble getting pregnant or you are having your fertility checked.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take diclofenac gel (1%) if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also need to avoid diclofenac gel (1%) at other times during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking diclofenac gel (1%) during pregnancy.

If you are taking any other NSAID.

If you are taking a salicylate drug like aspirin.

If you are taking pemetrexed.

If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with diclofenac gel (1%).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take diclofenac gel (1%) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.

Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.

Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.

Signs of high potassium levels like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; feeling confused; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feeling like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.

Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.

Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.

Feeling very tired or weak.

Flu-like signs.

Very bad back pain.

Very bad belly pain.

A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

Liver problems have happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.