What is the Olfen patch used for? Instructions and indications of this tool will be presented below. You will also learn about the properties of this drug, whether it has analogues, how much it costs, what patients say about it.
Composition, packaging and description
What are the components of Olfen? The patch contains such an active substance as diclofenac. Also, the medication includes various additional components, including menthol.
Transdermal patch goes on sale in the amount of 2 pieces. It is packed in paper-aluminum-plastic bags. One cardboard pack contains 1 sachet.
It should also be noted that there are other forms of the drug in question. In pharmacies you can find gel, suppositories, dragees, solution, capsules and tablets "Olfen". All of these forms also contain diclofenac (as the main substance).
Features of the drug
What is the drug "Olfen"? The patch is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is intended for local use only.
Drug action
How does the drug "Olfen"? The patch retains its therapeutic activity for a long time (about 12 hours).
The innovative form of this medication contributes to the uniform release of the active substance (i.e. diclofenac), which is distributed on the selected painful area of the skin.
Just like Olfen gel, a patch, or rather its contents (impregnation), quickly enters the tissues, reducing pain, inflammation and swelling. It is impossible not to note that this tool is also capable of exerting a cooling effect. This is of great importance for sprains, bruises, pains in the back and joints.
Similar properties are possessed by Olfen gel. It is also intended for outdoor use. The active substance of the drug through the skin penetrates into the tissue and accumulates at the site of application.
This medication acts as a painkiller. It accelerates recovery, reduces the severity of edema, cools the skin and removes inflammation.
As for other forms of release of the drug, they also have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. These remedies are very effective for painful sensations of an inflammatory nature.
Pharmacokinetics
After using an external agent (gel or patch), its active substance is found in the synovial membrane, blood plasma and synovial fluid.
The degree of connection of the drug with plasma proteins is 100%. The half-life is 70-120 minutes.
Indications for use
For what purpose do doctors prescribe Olfen to patients? The patch, the price of which is indicated at the end of the article, is actively used for the symptomatic treatment of edema, pain and inflammation, which are observed with:
- bursitis;
- soft tissue injuries (for example, injuries of tendons, ligaments, muscle tissue, joints);
- tendonitis;
- degenerative rheumatism (with local forms);
- shoulder syndrome;
- soft tissue rheumatism (with localized forms);
- periarthropathy.
Other indications of the drug "Olfen" have similar indications for use.
Contraindications local remedies
Do you know the reasons why you should never use Olfen? The instruction says about the following contraindications of the drug in question:
- burns;
- hypersensitivity to the constituent substances of the drug;
- eczema;
- history of acute rhinitis, asthma attacks or urticaria caused by NSAIDs;
- open skin lesions;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal ulcer (for oral forms);
- infection of the skin.
Plaster "Olfen": instructions for use
How should I use the medication in question?
The instruction informs that the Olfen patch should only be glued to a sore spot 1 or 2 times a day. In this case, the skin area on which it is planned to use the product must be clean and dry. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate it with any cream or ointment.
Apply the patch without stretching it. If this drug must be glued to the area of the movable joints (for example, on the elbows, knees, etc.), then it is recommended to fix it with a mesh bandage.
Before carrying out hygiene procedures, the patch should be removed and then glued again.
Step-by-step use of the medication
The Olfen patch, reviews of which are positive, should be used as indicated in the instructions:
- Carefully peel off the protective film.
- Make sure your skin is free of sores, burns, or scratches.
- Glue the patch by pressing it lightly with your hands.
It is highly recommended not to allow the contact of the anesthetic patch with the mucous membranes. It should also be noted that after applying it, you must thoroughly wash your hands.
The duration of therapy with the drug in question and the number of patches that must be used per day should be determined only by the attending physician.
Most often, adults are prescribed 2 plasters per day for two weeks. If after applying the medication the pain does not disappear, then it is necessary to increase the amount of the drug per day.
Side effects
Side effects after the use of this drug are manifested in the form of mild temporary reactions on the skin (local character). Very rarely, patients have pustular rashes, allergies, bronchial asthma, as well as photosensitivity and hypersensitivity reactions, itching, angioedema, and burning of the skin. The following reactions are also possible: rashes, erythema, eczema and dermatitis.
Overdose cases
No overdose of this drug was reported. However, experts argue that when using high doses of "Olfen" in patients, systemic side effects may occur. In this case, appropriate measures should be taken that are aimed at eliminating intoxication.
Drug interaction
Experts say that the drug "Olfen" can increase the blood levels of lithium, "Methotrexate", "Cyclosporin" and "Digoxin." It also helps to reduce the effectiveness of diuretics.
With the use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents and thrombolytic agents, the risk of bleeding increases.
With the simultaneous administration of the drug with potassium-sparing diuretics, the likelihood of developing hyperkalemia increases.
"Olfen" reduces the effect of hypoglycemic, hypotensive and hypnotics. It also increases the likely occurrence of adverse reactions of corticosteroids and other NSAIDs.
Price and analogues of the drug
How much is the drug "Olfen" (patch)? The price of this tool is quite high. For 2 plasters you will have to pay about 250 rubles.
If the use of the medication in question is unacceptable, then doctors are obliged to choose the appropriate analogue. So what can replace the drug "Olfen" (patch)? Analogues of this tool can always be found in a pharmacy. The following medicines are referred to them: “Phanigam”, “Dentokind”, “Intsena”, “Nimid”, “Voltaren”, “Vicodin” and others.
Drug Reviews
Reviews about the patch in question, as well as other forms of this drug, are mostly positive. Patients note the convenience of using this drug and its high effectiveness.
After using the patch, all pain at the place of gluing completely disappears. It also eliminates inflammation and relieves swelling.