Introduction About ZONEX GEL

ZONEX GEL contains diclofenac, which belongs to the group of medicines called Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to manage pain and inflammation related to muscle and joint injuries (Ex. sprains, strains, bruises, sports injuries, backache), tendonitis (Ex. tennis elbow), osteoarthritis (flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down), swelling around the elbow or knee, or post-trauma.

If you are using ZONEX GEL for arthritis, your doctor may want to review your management regularly. If the pain and swelling do not improve within 7 days or if they worsen, inform your doctor. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames, as there might be a risk of severe burns.

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in patients having kidney failure, severe joint pain of recent onset (unrelated to an injury or period of overuse), illness, fever, or any other symptoms along with the pain. Before using ZONEX GEL, inform your doctor if you have any stomach or bowel ulcer, asthma, liver, kidney, or bleeding problems.

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in pregnancy (especially in the last 3 months) and should be used in breastfeeding women only under medical advice. ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 14 years of age).

Be cautious when sunbathing or using sun lamps, as your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight. The most common side effects of using ZONEX GEL are skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin, etc. Call your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Uses Of ZONEX GEL

Manages pain and inflammation related to:

• Muscle and joint injuries (Ex. sprains, strains, bruises, sports injuries, backaches)
• Tendonitis (Ex. tennis elbow)
• Osteoarthritis
• Swelling around elbow or knee
• Post-trauma

How ZONEX GEL Works

ZONEX GEL relieves pain and inflammation by inhibiting certain enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins (chemicals responsible for inducing pain and inflammation).

How to use ZONEX GEL

Apply ZONEX GEL as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Apply on healthy skin only. Wash your hands before and after application. Do not cover the applied area with occlusive bandages or plasters. Do not apply ZONEX GEL on injured or infected skin.

In case of accidental contact with eyes, mucous membranes, or injured skin, wash the affected area with running water. If the irritation persists, call your doctor. Your doctor will decide a proper dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and severity of your condition.

Side Effects Of ZONEX GEL

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash Or Itching

Avoid hot showers, as they can further irritate your skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in pregnancy (during the last 3 months). ZONEX GEL should be used only under medical advice during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Consult your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding

Monitoring required

ZONEX GEL should only be used under medical advice during breast-feeding as it passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, prolonged application on the breasts of nursing mothers or elsewhere on large areas of skin should be avoided. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines

Safe

ZONEX GEL generally does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Kidney

Consult your doctor

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in patients with kidney failure. ZONEX GEL should be used with caution in patients having other kidney problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

Liver

Use with Caution

ZONEX GEL should be used with caution in patients having liver problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy

Contraindicated

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, peanuts, soy, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs

Use with Caution

ZONEX GEL should be used with caution in patients having asthma. Consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use in children (under 14 years of age). Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ZONEX GEL should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before using ZONEX GEL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Medicines used to remove excess water from the body (Ex. spironolactone, furosemide)
• Medicines used to manage high blood pressure and other heart problems (Ex. captopril, atenolol, metoprolol, digoxin)
• Other medicines used for pain relief (Ex. aspirin, ibuprofen)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of ZONEX GEL, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

FAQs About ZONEX GEL

Q: Can I use ZONEX GEL if I am taking paracetamol?

A: It is safe to use ZONEX GEL with paracetamol, but this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Consult your doctor before taking any other medicine with ZONEX GEL, especially other similar painkillers (NSAIDs).

Q: What if I forget to apply a dose of ZONEX GEL?

A: If you forget to apply a dose of ZONEX GEL, do it as soon as you remember. However, omit that dose if it's almost time for the next one. Do not apply a double quantity of ZONEX GEL to make up for the missed dose.

Q: Can I stop using ZONEX GEL on my own?

A: ZONEX GEL management can be stopped at any time without requiring special care. However, you may feel pain or swelling in the affected area again. If you have any further queries on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.

Q: Is ZONEX GEL safe to use in asthmatic patients?

A: ZONEX GEL should be used with caution if you have or ever had asthma. Consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor will determine a proper dose of ZONEX GEL or select a suitable alternative management for you according to your condition.

Q: Can ZONEX GEL be used during pregnancy?

A: ZONEX GEL must not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, as it could harm your unborn baby or cause problems at delivery. It should only be used under medical advice during the first 6 months of pregnancy, and the dose and duration should be kept as small as possible. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning for a baby, consult your doctor before using it.

Q: What if I accidentally swallow ZONEX GEL?

A: If you or anyone else accidentally swallow ZONEX GEL, see your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital. Take your medicine with you for the doctor to know what you’ve ingested.

Q: What is ZONEX GEL used for?

A: ZONEX GEL is used to manage pain and inflammation related to muscle and joint injuries (Ex. sprains, strains, bruises, sports injuries, backache), tendonitis (Ex. tennis elbow), osteoarthritis (flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down), swelling around the elbow or knee, or post-trauma.

Q: How should I use ZONEX GEL?

A: Apply ZONEX GEL as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Apply on healthy skin only. Wash your hands before and after application. Do not cover the applied area with occlusive bandages or plasters. Do not apply ZONEX GEL on injured or infected skin. In case of accidental contact with eyes, mucous membranes, or injured skin, wash the affected area with running water. If the irritation persists, call your doctor. Your doctor will decide a proper dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and severity of your condition.

Q: What are the side effects of using ZONEX GEL?

A: The most common side effects of using ZONEX GEL are skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin, etc. Call your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Q: Who should not use ZONEX GEL?

A: ZONEX GEL is not recommended for use if you are allergic to Diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, peanuts, soya, or have kidney failure, severe joint pain of recent onset (unrelated to an injury or period of overuse), feel ill, have fever, or any other symptoms along with the pain.

Q: What precautions must be taken while using ZONEX GEL?

A: ZONEX GEL should be used with caution in patients having other kidney problems, liver problems, asthma, stomach or bowel ulcers, tendency for bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and dehydration.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretic analgesics. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page – 221.

2. Sharma Y, Philip VM, Sharma S. Prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel group, comparative clinical study of two topical formulations of diclofenac diethylamine in the treatment of acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. Journal of Marine Medical Society. March 2020. [Accessed on 26th July 2024] https://www.marinemedicalsociety.in/article.asp?issn=0975-3605;year=2020;volume=22;issue=1;spage=35;epage=39;aulast=Sharma

3. Bariguian Revel, F., Fayet, M., & Hagen, M. Topical Diclofenac, an Efficacious Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed Central. June 2020. [Accessed on 26th July 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7211216/

4. Amdeepcha Limited,. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2021] [Accessed on 26th July 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10950.pdf

5. Laboratórios Basi – Indústria Farmacêutica, S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2021] [Accessed on 26th July 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12073.pdf

6. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK). Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2020] [Accessed on 26th July 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.366.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
• Liver Function Test (LFT)
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)/RA Test Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor, Qualitative
• Basic Arthritis Care
• Extended Arthritis Care
• Advance Bone Care
• Comprehensive Bone Care
• Frequent Pain Check Package
• Autoimmune Arthritis Panel
• Arthritis Profile – Advanced