Pennsaid (Diclofenac topical solution)

Name: Pennsaid
Brand: Paladin
SKU: 2391
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Pennsaid

Manufacturer: Paladin

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1.5 %/60 ml

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Pennsaid

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Diclofenac topical solution

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1.5 %/60 ml

Qty-Price (USD):

Pennsaid Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on December 8, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Pennsaid and Diclofenac at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand Pennsaid is marketed in Canada by Paladin.

Generic diclofenac topical solution is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturers of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Diclofenac Topical Solution

Generic diclofenac topical solution contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Pennsaid and must meet the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Pennsaid. Studies have shown that generic diclofenac is bioequivalent to brand-name Pennsaid, meaning it has similar absorption and achieves comparable blood concentrations. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts.

Dosage:

The brand-name Pennsaid and the generic diclofenac are available as topical solutions. At this pharmacy, it is available in a 1.5 strength, packed in a 60 ml bottle. It might be available in other strengths and package sizes.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Pennsaid (diclofenac topical solution) is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) specifically indicated for the local treatment of pain and osteoarthritis symptoms of the knee(s). It is essential to apply the solution only to clean, dry, intact skin, avoiding open wounds, and to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Patients should wait for the treated area to dry completely and wait a specified period (e.g., typically 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the strength) before covering it, showering, or bathing. It should be avoided in combination with oral NSAIDs unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider due to the risk of increased side effects.

Mechanism of Action:
Pennsaid (diclofenac topical solution) is an NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Diclofenac penetrates the skin and acts locally to inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These enzymes are essential for converting arachidonic acid into prostanoids (including prostaglandins), which are chemical messengers that directly cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joint. By reducing the production of these prostanoids, diclofenac effectively decreases inflammation and alleviates pain. The topical formulation is intended to deliver the anti-inflammatory effect directly to the source of joint pain while significantly minimizing systemic absorption and the associated risks compared to oral NSAIDs.

Take Pennsaid exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult a doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Pennsaid, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Pennsaid (diclofenac topical solution). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – These are common side effects of Pennsaid, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Burning sensation
• Dryness or scaling of the skin
• Itching (pruritus)
• Pain or soreness at the application site
• Photosensitivity (Increased sensitivity to sunlight): Avoid exposure of the treated area to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds/sunlamps) during treatment and for a period afterward, as this medication can increase the risk of severe sunburn and blistering.
• Redness (erythema)
• Rash
• Swelling

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gas (flatulence)
• Headache
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Numbness or tingling (paresthesia)

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following symptoms.
• Allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; trouble breathing.
• Cardiovascular events: Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or slurred speech (signs of heart attack or stroke)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Black, bloody, or tarry stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; severe or persistent stomach pain
• Kidney problems: Swelling in the feet or ankles, little or no urination, unusual tiredness
• Liver problems: Dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe nausea, or pain in the upper right side of the stomach.
• Severe skin reactions: Fever with a widespread skin rash, blistering, or peeling (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Contraindications:

The following are key contraindications and important warnings (not an exhaustive list). Before starting Pennsaid, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Pennsaid diclofenac topical solution if:
• Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma, Urticaria, or Allergic-Type Reactions: You have a history of asthma, hives (urticaria), or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: You have recently undergone or are about to undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (diclofenac is contraindicated for perioperative pain).
• Hypersensitivity: While hypersensitivity to any ingredient is a contraindication, benzyl alcohol and propylene glycol are specific inactive ingredients that may be present in the 1.5% solution and should be checked against the exact formulation being dispensed.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Kerendia. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug’s safety.
• Alcohol Use or abuse history.
• Bleeding or Clotting Problems, or if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
• Cardiovascular Conditions such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or a history of heart attack or stroke.
• Liver Problems
• Stomach or Intestinal Issues, such as ulcers, bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease (colitis).
• The risk of Kidney Disease with NSAIDs is primarily related to drug-induced renal toxicity (worsening kidney function), not just vitamin/mineral adjustment. Diclofenac should be used with caution and lower doses in patients with reduced kidney function.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Pennsaid, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the highlights of prescribing information at https://www.pi.amgen.com/-/media/Project/Amgen/Repository/pi-amgen-com/PENNSAID/pennsaid_fpi_english.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Pennsaid. Pennsaid may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:

Significant Drug Interactions (Increased Risk of Bleeding and Organ Damage)
• Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) such as Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) have a synergistic effect, significantly increasing the risk of severe and potentially fatal bleeding.
• Antiplatelet Drugs such as low-dose Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and may interfere with the intended cardiovascular benefits of low-dose aspirin.
• Corticosteroids such as Prednisone and Dexamethasone can increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.
• Other NSAIDs (Oral and Topical) such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Celecoxib (Celebrex), and Meloxicam do not increase pain relief but drastically increase the risk of serious side effects like stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney damage. Combining Pennsaid with other topical NSAIDs should also be avoided.

Other Significant Interactions (Requires Monitoring)
• ACE Inhibitors and ARBs like Lisinopril and Losartan, which are blood pressure medications, can be affected by diclofenac. It may decrease their blood pressure-lowering effects and raise the risk of kidney damage, especially in older people or those with existing heart or kidney issues. (This combination, particularly with a diuretic, is known as the "Triple Whammy" and requires careful monitoring.)
• Diuretics (Water Pills) such as Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide. It can lead to decreased effectiveness of the diuretic and increased risk of kidney damage.
• Lithium is affected by Diclofenac, which can increase the concentration of Lithium in the blood, leading to potential toxicity.
• Methotrexate is affected because it can increase Methotrexate levels by reducing its clearance, leading to potential toxicity, especially in high-dose therapy.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), when used in combination with NSAIDs, increase the risk of bleeding (due to their effect on platelets).
• Topical Treatments such as Sunscreens, lotions, and other topical medications applied to the treated area before Pennsaid is completely dry can potentially alter the absorption and effectiveness of the diclofenac solution. Ensure the treated skin is completely dry and uncovered before applying any other product.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Safety guidelines for Pennsaid (diclofenac, an NSAID) during pregnancy are strict: its use is generally avoided and requires close medical supervision throughout gestation. Although exposure is lower with topical application, all NSAIDs carry risks, especially after 30 weeks of pregnancy, when they are contraindicated due to the confirmed risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and possible fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios. During breastfeeding, Pennsaid is considered lower risk than oral NSAIDs because of minimal systemic absorption; however, caution is still recommended, and the solution must not be applied to the breast area to prevent infant exposure. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to evaluate individual risks and benefits.

Use in Children:

Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium topical solution) is not approved or recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years old. This is because its safety and effectiveness have not been adequately studied in pediatric patients, leaving insufficient data to support its use in this age group. Pennsaid is specifically indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, a condition typically found in adults. Since diclofenac is an NSAID, its use carries potential systemic risks, and doctors advise against its use in children unless it is explicitly prescribed for a specific, monitored, off-label purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsaid at CanadaPharmacyOnline:

Why is Pennsaid more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Pennsaid, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Pennsaid I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Pennsaid at once, per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Pennsaid over the counter from you?

No, Pennsaid requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days for your order to be delivered from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Pennsaid?

Yes, a generic alternative for this product is Diclofenac topical solution.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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