Patient/Family Teaching

• PO: Instruct patient to take diclofenac with a full glass of water and to remain in an upright position for 15–30 min after administration. Take missed doses as soon as possible within 1–2 hr if taking once or twice a day or unless almost time for next dose if taking more than twice a day. Do not double doses

» Caution patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol, aspirin, acetaminophen, other NSAIDs, or other OTC medications without consulting health care professional

» May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known

» Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery

» Caution patient to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions

» Instruct female patients to inform health care professional if they plan or suspect pregnancy

» Advise patient to consult health care professional if rash, itching, visual disturbances, tinnitus, weight gain, edema, black stools, persistent headache, or influenza-like syndrome (chills, fever, muscle aches, pain) occurs

• Topical: Advise patient to minimize use of concurrent NSAIDs during topical therapy

» Instruct patient to avoid covering lesion with occlusive dressing and to avoid applying sunscreen or cosmetics to the affected area

» Advise patient that it may take up to 1 mo for complete healing of the lesion to occur

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