Fenovar

• Risk factors: History of heart problems, including heart attack | Using high doses of topical diclofenac | Using topical diclofenac for a long time | History of heart bypass surgery

NSAIDs, like diclofenac in Fenovar, can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. The risk might be higher if you have a history of heart problems, use this medication at higher doses, or use this medication for a long period of time. To prevent heart attack or stroke from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of Fenovar for the shortest amount of time that works well for you. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't use Fenovar if you've had or will be having heart bypass surgery. Call 911 or seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

• Risk factors: History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Older adults | Taking other medications that can cause stomach problems | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Having poor health | Bleeding problems | Using topical diclofenac for a long time | Using higher doses of topical diclofenac

The diclofenac ingredient in Fenovar can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers. These problems can occur without warning or symptoms, so it's best to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to minimize your risk. Some medications, such as oral corticosteroids and blood thinners, can raise your risk of stomach bleeding. Tell your provider about all the medications that you take before starting Fenovar. If you have severe stomach pain, black and tarry stools, or blood in the urine while using this medication, get medical help promptly.

• Risk factors: History of blood problems | Taking blood thinners or certain antidepressants

Topical diclofenac in Fenovar can lower the level of red blood cells in your body. This might be due to stomach bleeding or swelling caused by diclofenac. Your provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts for these problems if you seem weaker than usual, have cold hands and feet, or shortness of breath. Additionally, NSAIDs like diclofenac can affect the way your blood clots. Please let your provider know if you have a history of blood problems or if you take certain medications that raise your risk of bleeding (e.g., blood thinners, SSRIs, SNRIs). Your provider can make sure Fenovar is safe for you.

• Risk factors: History of liver damage | Taking other medications that can cause liver damage

Rarely, diclofenac (an ingredient in Fenovar) taken by mouth has caused life-threatening liver damage. This can happen as early as within the first 2 months of starting this medication. Your risk is higher if you use Fenovar with other medications that can also cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Liver damage can happen with or without symptoms, so it's best to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to minimize your risk. Your provider might order blood tests to check your liver function regularly. Stop Fenovar and talk to your provider right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool, or dark urine.

• *Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure *

NSAIDs, like diclofenac in Fenovar, can raise your blood pressure, as well as cause your body to hold onto more water. This can lead to new or worsen existing blood pressure problems, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs. Fenovar can also cause some medications used to treat these conditions to work less well, such as furosemide (Lasix), lisinopril (Zestril), and losartan (Cozaar). Monitor your blood pressure closely while using Fenovar. Fenovar isn't recommended if you have heart failure, so discuss your health conditions with your provider before starting this medication. Let your provider know right away if you notice any changes in your blood pressure or experience symptoms, such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.

• Risk factors: Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | Taking certain high blood pressure medications, such as water pills, ACEIs, or ARBs | Older adults | Loss of body fluid through conditions such as severe vomiting, bleeding, or diarrhea | Using topical diclofenac for a long time

Diclofenac (an ingredient in Fenovar) can damage your kidneys by slowing down blood flow to the kidneys. The risk is higher if you're taking certain blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or water pills) or have certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney problems, liver problems, heart failure). Kidney damage is usually reversible once you stop taking this medication. If you have very severe kidney problems, discuss the risks of using this medication with your provider. Let your provider know if you notice a change in how often you urinate after starting Fenovar.

Diclofenac in Fenovar can also lead to high potassium levels, even in people with healthy kidneys. If you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as muscle weakness or abnormal heartbeat, tell your healthcare provider right away because it might be dangerous.

• Risk factors: Asthma and stuffy nose with or without nasal polyps | History of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs

Rarely, Fenovar can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Diclofenac in Fenovar can cause your airways to tighten, which might lead to severe asthma attacks. Be careful using this medication if you have asthma. People who've experienced asthma attacks triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past should avoid Fenovar. Get medical help right away if your throat tightens and you can't breathe.

Diclofenac in Fenovar might cause sudden and serious skin reactions. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, rash, peeling skin, painful blisters all over your body, and swelling of the face. Stop Fenovar and get medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms. Don't apply this medication to open wounds, skin infections, or inflamed skin as this can change how the medication gets absorbed or delay you from receiving the right medication in the meantime.

• Risk factor: Currently in second or third trimester of pregnancy

Don't use Fenovar, specifically topical diclofenac, starting at 30 weeks of pregnancy. It can cause serious complications, such as heart, lung, or kidney problems in your unborn baby. If you want to use Fenovar between 20-30 weeks of pregnancy, talk with your provider first to see if the benefit of pain relief is greater than the risk of harm in your unborn baby.

Fenovar should only be used on your skin. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.