Develop a schedule and stick to it.
Before long, PENNSAID can be a part of your everyday routine.
Pick 4 times in your day that are easy to remember.
Exercise can help you have less pain, be more flexible, and enjoy a more positive attitude. Talk to your doctor about the forms of exercise that are best for you.
To help you get started, you can use a Movement Tracker.
The Movement Tracker is a FREE online tool that helps you create personalized goals that will keep you and your joints moving year-round.
Weight loss can reduce the stress put on your knees and increase your ability to get around. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a difference.
For each pound of weight you lose,
you take 4 pounds of stress off your knees.
Lack of sleep has been linked to more pain and illness. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways of making your sleep better.
Listening to soothing music may help
relax muscles and help you get to sleep.
Altman RD. Practical considerations for the pharmacologic management of osteoarthritis. Am J Manag Care. 2009;15:S236-S243.
Arthritis Foundation. All about Osteoarthritis. http://www.arthritistoday.org. Accessed January 6, 2011.
Arthritis Foundation. NSAIDs. Arthritis Today Drug Guide. http://www.arthritistoday.org/treatments/drug‑guide/types‑of‑drugs/drug‑guide‑nsaids.php. Accessed January 6, 2011.
Arthritis Foundation. NSAIDs. Who gets osteoarthritis. http://www.arthritis.org/who‑gets‑osteoarthritis.php. Accessed January 6, 2011.
Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium/misoprostol) Tablets USP [prescribing information]. New York, NY: G.D. Searle LLC, Division of Pfizer.
Bellamy N, Buchanan WW, Goldsmith CH, Campbell J, Stitt LW. Validation study of WOMAC: a health status instrument for measuring clinically important patient relevant outcomes to antirheumatic drug therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. J Rheumatol. 1988;15:1833-1840.
Diclofenac sodium delayed release tablets USP [prescribing information]. Corona, CA: Watson Laboratories, Inc.
Evans JMM, McMahon AD, McGilchrist MM, et al. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and admission to hospital for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation: a record linkage case-control study. Br Med J. 1995;311:22-26.
Heyneman CW, Lawless-Liday C, Wall GC. Oral versus topical NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases: a comparison. Drugs. 2000;60:555-574.
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PENNSAID [package insert]. Mississauga, Ontario:Nuvo Research, Inc.; 2010.
Do not use PENNSAID if you:
• Had asthma or hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Are in the hospital for a heart bypass graft
• Are allergic to diclofenac sodium
Tell your doctor if you have:
• High blood pressure, heart failure, or had any heart surgeries
• A history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
• Kidney or liver problems
The most common side effects of PENNSAID occur where it is put on the skin such as dry skin (32%), red and firm skin rash, skin rash with blisters, and itching. Other common side effects include: upset stomach, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
Serious reactions can occur even if you never used PENNSAID before. NSAIDs can cause bad skin reactions that can be fatal.
A rise in liver tests can occur with NSAID therapy. Stop PENNSAID if this occurs and does not go away or if it gets worse.
Using NSAIDs for a long time can hurt the kidneys. Use PENNSAID carefully in the elderly, those with damaged kidneys, bad hearts, bad livers, and those taking water pills or ACE inhibitors. Do not take other NSAIDS unless your physician says it is OK.
Do not use PENNSAID if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use PENNSAID on children.
Avoid exposing treated knee to the sun or tanning lamps. Wash and dry hands before and after use. Avoid contact of PENNSAID with the eyes, the mouth and the nose. Do not apply to open wounds. Do not apply heat or binding items to the treated knee.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more important risk information about PENNSAID, please read the PENNSAID Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.