PENNSAID (DICLOFENAC SODIUM)

Pennsaid Description

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common medications prescribed to help reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis that can interfere with simple tasks that others perform daily with ease.

Pennsaid comes as a topical solution dosed as drops that are massaged into your knee or hand to provide relief and allow you to function more easily throughout the day. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that usually requires long-term medication and more doctors are prescribing topical NSAIDs for OA as they seem to reduce the risk of serious side effects compared to oral medications.

How Pennsaid Provides Topical Pain Relief from Arthritis

Pennsaid contains Diclofenac Sodium, a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor that is well absorbed into your skin. You will be instructed to apply Pennsaid as ten drops at a time, either directly on your knee or first into your palm and massaged in before the next ten drops until you’ve reached the recommended dose. As Pennsaid is absorbed into your skin cells, it inhibits the action of the cyclo-oxygenase enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2. This action interferes with COX-2 producing and sending prostaglandins to your knee or other affected joint so the inflammation and swelling is reduced. Pennsaid also affects the COX-1 which protects your intestinal lining. It is believed that topical NSAIDs do not promote as much damage to your stomach lining as their oral counterparts.

More About Arthritis and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes the breakdown of the smooth material that lines your joints so they move effortlessly against each other and works as a shock absorber when you walk or move. With the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage, the end of your bones begin to rub against each other and cause discomfort, pain, and inflammation as your body chemicals try to heal the area. The hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine are more frequently affected by OA, but it can be found in other joints.

Factors that increase your risk of getting osteoarthritis are your age, genetics, being overweight, an injury to one of your joints, and if you are also diagnosed with another type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of growing old and by taking care of yourself now by maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, and taking part in exercises that will not impact your joints, you can greatly reduce your risk of OA. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but Pennsaid can decrease your “down time” by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Before Pennsaid is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about the safety of Pennsaid use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medicine you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. Then your doctor can determine if Pennsaid (Diclofenac Sodium Topical Solution) is right for you.

Pennsaid Precautions

If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, tell your surgeon that you are using Pennsaid as you may have to stop using it until after your recovery. After applying Pennsaid, do not cover with a dressing or bandaging as this can cause an increase in the absorption rate. Wash your hands after applying Pennsaid unless your hands are being treated.

Possible Side Effects of Pennsaid

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nausea