Solaraze Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic – or solar – keratosis is a skin condition which develops as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It manifests in crusty, scaly patches on the face, scalp, ears, hands, and arms.

People over 40, with fair complexion, and a history of sun exposure or sunburn are most at risk of developing actinic keratosis. Patients with reduced immunity are also at higher risk.

Actinic keratosis is considered a pre-cancer. If left untreated, it can progress to skin cancer, most commonly to squamous cell carcinoma. However, almost all actinic keratosis clears up, if treated early.

Solaraze Active Ingredient

Solaraze contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Generic Solaraze Alternative

Generic alternatives to Solaraze are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Solaraze and What Is It Used For?

Solaraze is prescribed to patients with actinic keratosis. It contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium.

Usage and Application

Before sourcing Solaraze online, please read the medication guide provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is dependent on a patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, patients are prescribed Solaraze at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Patients should not increase their dose or use Solaraze more often/longer than prescribed. Solaraze is usually applied for 60 to 90 days.

Solaraze is only intended for external use. Most patients are directed to apply the medication on affected skin twice a day. Patients should wash and dry their hands before applying the medication, washing their hands afterward.

Do not apply Solaraze in or around the eyes, on open skin wounds, or on infected, cut, or burned skin. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Patients should use Solaraze regularly to get the most benefit from it. To prevent forgetting, use the medication at the same times each day.

Contact your doctor if your condition fails to improve or worsens. Some patients may need to wait up to 30 days after finishing the medication for skin to heal completely.

Considerations Before Taking Solaraze

Before starting treatment, patients should tell their doctor if they are allergic to diclofenac sodium, or to any other NSAID. Solaraze may contain inactive ingredients (e.g. benzyl alcohol) which can also cause allergic reactions. Contact your pharmacist for more details.

It is important to discuss a patient’s medical history, especially related to liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a history of heart attack or stroke. Patients should also mention the following medical problems:

• asthma
• aspirin-sensitive asthma
• stomach and intestine problems like bleeding and ulcers
• swelling (e.g. edema, fluid retention)
• blood disorders (e.g. anemia)
• bleeding or clotting problems
• nasal polyps

NSAID use may occasionally cause kidney problems. This is more likely in older adults and patients with pre-existing kidney problems or heart failure. Dehydration can cause an increased risk of kidney problems.

Patients should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any changes in urine production.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

In rare cases, Solaraze can cause stomach bleeding. This risk increases in daily users of alcohol and tobacco. Patients should stop smoking and limit their alcohol intake. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Sun exposure may worsen actinic keratosis. Limit time in the sun and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Ask your doctor whether to use sunscreen along with Solaraze.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Solaraze, especially stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems.

Women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks of Solaraze treatment with their doctor. Risks include miscarriage and trouble conceiving. Women should inform their doctor if they are – or plan to become – pregnant.

During pregnancy, Solaraze should only be used when clearly needed. This medication is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. It may possibly harm a fetus and interfere with normal delivery.

It is not known whether Solaraze passes into breast milk. Mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Solaraze should take it as soon as they remember. If it is already time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double their dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Solaraze

Drug interactions may change the way Solaraze works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – like the hypertension drug aliskiren (e.g. Tekturna) and the mood stabilizer lithium (e.g. Eskalith) – may interact negatively with Solaraze. Additional examples include ACE inhibitors (e.g. Capoten, Prinivil), angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g. Diovan, Cozaar), and corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone, prednisone).

Cidofovir, which is used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis, may interact negatively with Solaraze. Diuretic medicines like furosemide and the rheumatoid arthritis drug methotrexate are known to do the same.

When used together with certain drugs, Solaraze increases the risk of bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs (such as clopidogrel), and blood thinners like dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin.

Patients should check the labels all prescription and non-prescription drugs, as many contain substances that relieve pain or reduce fever (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac). These active ingredients are similar to diclofenac, the active ingredient in Solaraze. If taken together, these increase the risk of negative side effects.

If directed by their doctor to take low doses (between 81 and 325 milligrams a day) of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, you should continue to do so. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Adverse Reactions

Many patients are able to take Solaraze safely without serious side effects.

Common side effects include rash, itching, scaling, and dry skin at the application site. Please alert your physician should these effects persist or worsen.

Solaraze can elevate blood pressure. Patients should check their blood pressure regularly and alert their doctor if the readings are high.

Serious side effects include kidney problems, which may manifest as changes in urine production. Patients should also monitor for symptoms of heart failure: unusual tiredness, unusual or sudden weight gain, and swelling of the ankles and/or feet.

In rare cases, medications similar to Solaraze have caused serious stomach or intestinal bleeding. If you notice any of the following symptoms, stop using Solaraze and seek immediate medical help. persistent stomach pain, black or bloody stools, and vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Solaraze rarely causes serious, possibly fatal liver disease. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of liver damage: persistent nausea and/or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, darkened urine, and yellowing of the eyes and/or skin.

Serious allergic reactions to Solaraze are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. Patients should seek immediate medical assistance if they experience such symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not mentioned above.

How to Store Solaraze

Solaraze should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.