Maxima Pharmaceuticals - Information for the Physician

INFORMATION FOR THE PHYSICIAN

WHY SHOULD I USE TRANSDERMAL DICLOFENAC?

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis or pain originating in soft tissues. As with other NSAIDs, it can produce gastric irritation or ulceration, fluid retention, and other systemic side effects. By delivering diclofenac transdermally, it can be selectively concentrated in the joints or soft tissues. Gastric and systemic side effects can be minimized.

DO TRANSDERMAL NSAIDS WORK?

Absolutely! Transdermal NSAIDs are both effective and safe. A recent meta-analysis of 86 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of transdermal NSAIDs included 10,160 patients (Moore RA, et al. British Medical Journal: 1998; 316:333-338). It concluded that

"topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in relieving pain in acute and chronic conditions".

In fact, topically applied NSAIDs were just as effective as oral NSAIDs in those studies where comparisons were done. A significant difference, however, was that with transdermal therapy

"local and systemic adverse events...were no different than placebo".

A randomized, placebo-controlled Canadian study of lateral epicondylitis showed that transdermal diclofenac in pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO gel) reduced pain and increased functional status (Burnham R, et al. Clinical J Sports Med; 1998; 8:78-81). Another Canadian study showed that diclofenac in PLO gel was an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (Grace D, et al. J Rheumatol; 1999; 26:2659-2663).

WHY IS DIFFUSIMAX USED TO DELIVER DICLOFENAC THROUGH THE SKIN?

DiffusiMAX ^® is a product that has recently been introduced by Maxima Pharmaceuticals. DiffusiMAX is pluronic lecithin organogel (or PLO gel) and is used for transdermal delivery of a variety of medications. When a medication is made up in DiffusiMAX it is incorporated into micelles that carry the medication directly into local tissues or past the dermal barrier into the bloodstream.

HOW DO I GET DICLOFENAC IN DIFFUSIMAX FOR MY PATIENTS?

You simply write a prescription and your local pharmacist can prepare the medication in DiffusiMAX.

HOW DO I WRITE A PRESCRIPTION FOR DICLOFENAC IN DIFFUSIMAX ?

The most common prescription is:

Diclofenac 5% in DiffusiMAX
50 g
Apply TID
Refill x 10

CAN HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF DICLOFENAC BE USED?

Yes. Some physicians prescribe concentrations as high as 7%.

CAN I USE OTHER NSAIDS IN DIFFUSIMAX ?

Yes. Ibuprofen (dose range: 2% to 10%) and ketaprofen (dose range: 5% to 10%) are other common NSAIDs used in DiffusiMAX .

HOW DO MY PATIENTS APPLY DICLOFENAC IN DIFFUSIMAX ?

They simply apply a thin layer over the sore joint or soft tissue three times per day.

ARE THERE ANY PRECAUTIONS MY PATIENTS NEED TO TAKE?

DiffusiMAX is hypoallergenic, so skin irritation is rare. It is possible that a medication mixed in PLO gel could produce irritation or even an allergic reaction. Patients should make sure that they wash their hands after applying DiffusiMAX prescriptions, and they should avoid getting it in their eyes. If they do, the eyes should be rinsed with cold water.

CAN OTHER MEDICATIONS BE PUT INTO DIFFUSIMAX ?

Yes. DiffusiMAX has been used for local delivery of muscle relaxants and neuropathy therapy. It has also been used to achieve systemic levels for the administration of narcotics, anti-nausea drugs, and hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Your pharmacist can give you more information.

MAXIMA PHARMACEUTICALS, EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA
PHONE: 1-888-MAXIMA8 (toll free)
Comments or questions? Write to us at: info@maximapharmaceuticals.com