Hi, My Husband Has Recently Started Using Diclofenac Topical Cream Are The Side Effects From The Cream?
while hes using the topical diclofenac on his hands, hes got a open sore on one finger, which we believe he has gotten the topical diclofenac in the open sore twice now in the last two days, hes been experiencing dizziness, extreme tiredness, headache, seems confused, i'm not sure if i need to take him to the emergency room or if these are just really bad side effects from the cream? the side effects started up after he started using the topical cream for his hands
Does not looks to because of of the cream better to see a doc
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to "Ask A Doctor" service. Thanks for using this app .I have read your question and here is my advice .
Diclofenac when used topical is pretty safe .It can causes some irritation at the local area however it is very unlikely to cause any sigificant systemic side effects .Those that you mentioned are very unlikely with topical diclofenac .Even such symptoms are not common with diclofenac even if taken oally ( like tablets ).So I don't think it is something to have occured with topical diclofenac.
Infact you did not mention why he is taking methotrexate and prednisone ( probably for rhemataoid arthritis? ?)) and since when he has been taking this medicine?
So people who are on steroids and methotrexate, developing such symptoms , I thing it's become necessary to see a doctor as some times these drugs can do it , or some times infection do occur because these drugs supress our immunity .If there is element of confusion , then yes I think we need to see on emergency basis.So my personal advice is that for his safety , he should be taken to the ER.This is not necessary a very serious thing but we need not to take any risk for his safety .
Hope it's clear now , Please don't hesitate to ask anything else you need to know. I will be glad to answer any further question about this.
kind Regards Dr Rahman