Skip to main content
FLECTOR
PrescriptionTOPICAL
🇺🇸United StatesPrescription

FLECTOR

Generic Formulation: DICLOFENAC EPOLAMINE

Regulatory Registrant: IBSA Pharma Inc.

TOPICAL

Related NDC Products

NDC CodeDosage FormRouteCategory
71858-0405SYSTEMTOPICALNDA

Indications & Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FLECTOR ® is indicated for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. FLECTOR is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is indicated for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for shortest duration consist with the individual patient treatment goals. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dose of FLECTOR for adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older is one (1) topical system to the most painful area twice a day. ( 2 ) FLECTOR should not be applied to damaged or non-intact skin. ( 2 ) 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. The recommended dose of FLECTOR is one (1) topical system to the most painful area twice a day both in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. 2.2 Special Precautions Inform patients that, if FLECTOR begins to peel-off, the edges of the topical system may be taped down. If problems with adhesion persist, patients may overlay the topical system with a mesh netting sleeve, where appropriate (e.g. to secure topical systems applied to ankles, knees, or elbows). The mesh netting sleeve (e.g. Curad ® Hold Tite™, Surgilast ® Tubular Elastic Dressing) must allow air to pass through and not be occlusive (non-breathable). Do not apply FLECTOR to non-intact or damaged skin resulting from any etiology e.g. exudative dermatitis, eczema, infected lesion, burns or wounds. Do not wear a FLECTOR when bathing or showering. Wash your hands after applying, handling or removing the topical system. Avoid eye contact. Do not use combination therapy with FLECTOR and an oral NSAID unless the benefit outweighs the risk and conduct periodic laboratory evaluations.

Warnings & Precautions

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR and GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR and GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use ( 5.1 ) FLECTOR is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery ( 4 , 5.1 ) NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events ( 5.2 ) Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. FLECTOR is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] The most common adverse reactions in FLECTOR and placebo-treated adult patients were pruritus (5% and 8%, respectively) and nausea (3% and 2%, respectively) ( 6.1 ). The most common adverse reactions in FLECTOR treated pediatric patients were headache (9%) and application site pruritus (7%) ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact IBSA Pharma Inc at 1-800-587-3513 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Clinical Trials Experience In controlled trials during the premarketing development of FLECTOR, approximately 600 patients with minor strains, sprains, and contusions were treated with FLECTOR for up to two weeks. Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment In the controlled trials, 3% of patients in both the FLECTOR and placebo groups discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation were application site reactions, occurring in 2% of both the FLECTOR and placebo groups. Application site reactions leading to dropout included pruritus, dermatitis, and burning. Common Adverse Events Overall, the most common adverse events associated with FLECTOR treatment were skin reactions at the site of treatment. Table 1 lists all adverse events, regardless of causality, occurring in ≥ 1% of patients in controlled trials of FLECTOR. A majority of patients treated with FLECTOR had adverse events with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate." Table 1. Common Adverse Events (by body system and preferred term) in ≥ 1% of Patients treated with FLECTOR or Placebo The table lists adverse events occurring in placebo-treated patients because the placebo was comprised of the same ingredients as FLECTOR except for diclofenac. Adverse events in the placebo group may therefore reflect effects of the non-active ingredients. Category Diclofenac N=572 Placebo N=564 N Percent N Percent Application Site Conditions 64 11 70 12 Pruritus 31 5 44 8 Dermatitis 9 2 3 <1 Burning 2 <1 8 1 Other Includes: application site dryness, irritation, erythema, atrophy, discoloration, hyperhidriosis, and vesicles. 22 4 15 3 Gastrointestinal Disorders 49 9 33 6 Nausea 17 3 11 2 Dysgeusia 10 2 3 <1 Dyspepsia 7 1 8 1 Other Includes: gastritis, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, and dry mouth. 15 3 11 2 Nervous System Disorders 13 2 18 3 Headache 7 1 10 2 Paresthesia 6 1 8 1 Somnolence 4 1 6 1 Other Includes: hypoesthesia, dizziness, and hyperkinesias. 4 1 3 <1 Foreign labeling describes that dermal allergic reactions may occur with FLECTOR treatment. Additionally, the treated area may become irritated or develop itching, erythema, edema, vesicles, or abnormal sensation. Pediatric Clinical Trials Experience In one open-label trial, 104 male and female pediatric patients 6 years and older presenting with minor strains, sprains, and contusions received FLECTOR twice a day for as many as 16 days. The most commonly reported adverse events (incidence ≥ 2%) were headache (9%), application site pruritus (7%), nausea (3%), and dyspepsia (3%). No adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of diclofenac. 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. Skin and Appendages: Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of diclofenac. 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. Skin and Appendages: Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE).

Drug Interactions

7 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 FLECTOR 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 the NSAID alone [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Intervention: Concomitant use of FLECTOR and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]. FLECTOR 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 FLECTOR and ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained. During concomitant use of FLECTOR 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 FLECTOR 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 of digoxin. Intervention: During concomitant use of FLECTOR 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 FLECTOR and lithium, monitor patients for signs of lithium toxicity. Methotrexate Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of NSAIDs and methotrexate may increase the risk for methotrexate toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction). Intervention: During concomitant use of FLECTOR and methotrexate, monitor patients for methotrexate toxicity. Cyclosporine Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of FLECTOR and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity. Intervention: During concomitant use of FLECTOR and cyclosporine, monitor patients for signs of 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) ] . Intervention: The concomitant use of diclofenac with other NSAIDs or salicylates is not recommended. Pemetrexed Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of FLECTOR and pemetrexed may increase the risk of pemetrexed-associated myelosuppression, renal, and GI toxicity (see the pemetrexed prescribing information). Intervention: During concomitant use of FLECTOR 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 of 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 FLECTOR with drugs that interfere with hemostasis. Concomitant use of FLECTOR and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended. ( 7 ) ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB), or Beta-Blockers: Concomitant use with FLECTOR may diminish the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Monitor blood pressure ( 7 ) ACE Inhibitors and ARBs : Concomitant use with FLECTOR 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 FLECTOR may increase serum concentration and prolong half-life of digoxin. Monitor serum digoxin levels ( 7 )

Storage & Handling

Storage Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted between 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].