Can Flector patches be cut? (+3 disadvantages)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss if you can cut the Flector patch. The Flector patch contains diclofenac (1.3%) and is approved for the treatment of acute pain caused by mild strains, sprains, and arthritis for patients aged 6 years or older.
Can Flector patches be cut?
No, the Flector patch should not be cut. Cutting it into half or more pieces can decrease the drug quantity that is required to give pain relief. If the doctor wanted to give you a different dose of diclofenac then he would have prescribed a tablet or gel.
You should apply one patch once a day at the pain site (bruise, spasm, or arthritis). Leave it for 12 to 14 hours. Do not use more than the prescribed dose. If you cut the patch you will not get complete relief from the pain. It can also alter the Flector’s adhesion properties.
You should always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of the Flector topical patch. Similarly, using more than the prescribed patches can cause adverse effects. It is important to apply the patch on the affected area, rather than somewhere else.
What are the disadvantages of cutting the Flector patch?
Cutting the patch can be disadvantageous for the patient, including:
- The dose of diclofenac would be decreased.
- The patient will not get enough pain relief.
- Cutting can damage the patch.
- It can also compromise the adhesive property of the patch.
- It can cause dose dumping (quicker release of drug from the patch) (1).
How is the Flector patch applied?
Application of the Flector patch is easy and can be done at home. The following steps describe the procedure:
Before application:
- Trim the hair from the application site if it might cause pain during patch removal.
- Wash the area of application.
- Do not apply cream, moisturiser or lotion.
- Clean and dry the area.
- Wash your hands.
During application:
- Remove the clear film for the patch to expose the sticky part.
- Apply the patch on the pain site.
- Press the patch for 20-30 seconds for proper sticking.
- Wash your hands.
If the patch begins to pull off due to poor adhesion, it can be tapped. If required, the patient may overlay the Flector patch with a mesh netting sleeve. Air must be allowed to travel through the mesh netting and should be non-occlusive and breathable.
After application:
- Do not take a bath or go for swimming.
- Do not rub your eyes, or nose, or clean your private parts without washing your hands first.
What are the precautions while using the Flector patch?
Do not use the Flector patch without the consultation of a doctor. The doctor will guide the patient about the following precautions:
- Always wash your hands before and after applying the patch.
- Flector patches should not be used or applied during bathing, swimming, or on wet skin.
- Never apply the patch on damaged and broken skin. It is also contradicted on the skin which has dermatitis, eczema, infection and burn wounds.
- The Flector patch should only be used topically.
- Do not drink alcohol during the Flector use as it might increase the chances of gastric bleeding.
What are the side effects of the Flector patch?
The patient might experience side effects while using an unprescribed dose of the Flector patch. These side effects can also occur with the usual dose as diclofenac stays in the body for 15-18 hours.
Remove the patch and inform your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction to the drug or any part of the patch can cause skin rash, difficulty in breathing, throat and face swelling, and hives.
- Skin reaction: Due to prolonged or frequent administration of the Flector patch, the patient might experience skin reactions including burning sensation, itching, redness, and dry skin.
- Mental health: If the patient experiences headache, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating then the patch should be immediately discontinued.
- Blood pressure: The Flector patch can raise blood pressure or worsen the symptoms of existing hypertension.
When is the use of the Flector patch contradicted?
The Flector patch should be used with caution in patients having the following medical issues:
- Cardiovascular event: The use of diclofenac can increase the chances of getting a stroke (1.7 folds), arterial fibrillation (1.6 folds), cardiac death (1.7 folds), or heart failure (1.9 folds) (2).
- Gastric problems: Diclofenac can increase the chances of upper gastric bleeding (4.5 folds). This adverse effect occurs frequently if the patient is also taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (2).
- Heart bypass surgery: The use of an Efector patch is not recommended before and after the bypass surgery.
- Liver or kidney disease: Flector patch may cause swelling in the hand and feet, urinary retention, or jaundice.
- NSAIDs: The Flector patch should not be used if the patient is taking NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam. Oral diclofenac should also be avoided.
- Other medications: The Flector patch should be used with caution in patients taking blood thinners, blood pressure medicine, methotrexate, or diuretics.
I always apply the Flector patch at the pain site to get maximum therapeutic efficacy. For smaller spasms, one Flector patch is enough. However, I never cut the patch if I have less pain or spasms in a smaller area.
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References
1.-
Ball AM, Smith KM. Optimizing transdermal drug therapy. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2008 Jul 15;65(14):1337-46. https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/65/14/1337/5127861
2.-
Schmidt M, Sørensen HT, Pedersen L. Diclofenac use and cardiovascular risks: series of nationwide cohort studies. bmj. 2018 Sep 4;362. https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3426.full
