The side effects of DFO gel are minor and resolve independently as your body adjusts to DFO gel. The common DFO gel side effects include:
- Rashes
- Itching and dryness
- Scaling or peeling of skin
- Redness
- Swelling
- Burning or stinging sensation
Managing the Side effects
- Rashes: Applying a cold compress or baking soda can soothe rashes caused by DFO gel.
- Itching and dryness: Use a fragrance-free moisturiser after applying DFO gel to alleviate itching and dryness.
- Scaling or peeling of skin: Soak the affected area in warm water with Epsom salt or add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oils to the bathwater.
- Redness: Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area can help reduce redness. Cucumber slices, chamomile tea bags, and rosewater can help soothe redness and inflammation.
- Swelling: After consulting your doctor, apply a cold compress or use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate swelling caused by DFO gel.
- Burning or stinging sensation: Apply a cool, wet compress to the affected area to reduce the burning or stinging sensation and reduce discomfort.
Precautions
PREGNANCY
There is limited evidence for the safety of DFO gel during pregnancy. It is better to consult your doctor before using DFO gel during pregnancy to determine if it is safe for both the mother and the developing fetus.
BREASTFEEDING
If you are breastfeeding, consult your physician before using DFO gel. Your doctor will determine how much breastfeeding mother should take DFO gel.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol should be avoided while using DFO gel. There are no known interactions between DFO gel and alcohol.
LIVER
After consulting a doctor, DFO gel should be cautiously used in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor can best guide you with the dosage or frequency of DFO gel or consider alternative treatments if you have severe liver problems.
KIDNEY
Patients with severe kidney disease must apply DFO gel cautiously after consulting a doctor.
USING MACHINES AND DRIVING
DFO gel is not expected to affect your ability to operate machinery or drive a vehicle. However, if you experience dizziness or drowsiness after DFO gel application, you should avoid any altered task till you feel better.
ALLERGY
If you have an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to Diclofenac, Linseed Oil, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate or any of the other components, do not use DFO gel. We recommend that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
USE IN CHILDREN
Children may be more susceptible to the side effects of DFO gel, such as skin irritation, redness, or itching. So, consult your doctor before applying DFO gel on anyone younger than 18 years old.
USE IN OLDER PATIENTS
DFO gel should be taken with precaution in elderly patients. However, you should avoid overdosing on it. Before you start taking it, consult your doctor.
Interaction
Drug-Drug Interactions
The DFO gel can interact with Medications, including
- Aspirin
- Warfarin
- Anisindione
- Dicumarol
Drug-Food Interactions
There are no known significant drug-food interactions with DFO gel.
Drug-Disease Interactions
The DFO gel can interact with Diseases, including
- Asthma
- Kidney dysfunction
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Platelet aggregation inhibition or no clot formation