Generic name: diclofenac (ophthalmic route) [ dye-KLOE-fen-ak-SOE-dee-um ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2023.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Voltaren

In Canada

• Vofenal
• Voltaren Ophtha

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Diclofenac

Chemical Class: Diclofenac

Uses for Vofenal

Diclofenac ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat pain or swelling of the eye following cataract surgery. It is also used to relieve temporary pain and photophobia (oversensitivity of the eyes to light) in patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery (surgical procedure to reduce or cure certain eye or vision problems). This medicine is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

This medicine is available only with your doctor''s prescription.

Before using Vofenal

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of diclofenac eye drops in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of diclofenac eye drops in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to aspirin, phenylacetic acid, and other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®), history of or
• Bleeding problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Corneal (front part of the eye) denervation or
• Corneal (front part of the eye) epithelial defects or
• Diabetes or
• Ocular (eye) surface diseases (e.g., dry eye syndrome) or
• Ocular (eye) surgeries, complicated or
• Ocular (eye) surgeries, multiple within a short period of time or
• Rheumatoid arthritis—Use with caution. May increase the risk of having corneal problems.

Proper use of Vofenal

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain diclofenac. It may not be specific to Vofenal. Please read with care.

Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

Keep using this medicine for at least 2 weeks unless your eye doctor tells you otherwise.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them while you are using this medicine. Talk to your eye doctor about this if you have questions.

To use the eye drops:

• The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
• First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep your eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
  • For eye pain or swelling following cataract surgery:
    • Adults—Use one drop in the affected eye four times a day, starting 24 hours after cataract surgery and continued for 2 weeks after surgery.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For corneal refractive surgery:
    • Adults—Use one or two drops in the affected eye within an hour before corneal surgery. Then, use one or two drops in the affected eye within 15 minutes after corneal surgery and continued four times a day for up to 3 days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions while using Vofenal

Your eye doctor will check your eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your eye doctor.

Slow or delayed healing may occur while you are using this medicine. Ask your eye doctor before using this medicine together with a topical corticosteroid (e.g., betamethasone, hydrocortisone).

Using this medicine may increase risk of having eye or vision problems (e.g., keratitis or other corneal problems). Stop using this medicine and check with your eye doctor right away if you have blurred vision, changes in vision, or eye redness, irritation, or pain while using this medicine.

Make sure your eye doctor knows if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.

While applying the medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

Do not use other medicines unless they have been discussed with your eye doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Vofenal side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Eye redness, irritation, or pain
• tearing of the eyes

Less common

• Blindness
• blurred vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• clear or yellow fluid from the eye
• decreased vision or any change in vision
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• sensitivity to light
• sticky or matted eyelashes
• throbbing pain

Incidence not known

• Feeling of something in the eye

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning and stinging of the eye

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• chills
• cold flu-like symptoms
• cough or hoarseness
• dizziness
• fever
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• nausea
• pain
• runny nose
• sleeplessness
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• swelling or puffiness of the face
• trouble with sleeping
• unable to sleep
• vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Vogelxo

Generic name: testosterone topical [ tes-TOS-ter-one-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Androderm, AndroGel Packets, AndroGel Pump 1.25 g/actuation, FIRST-Testosterone, Fortesta, Testim, Vogelxo
Drug class: Androgens and anabolic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 23, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Vogelxo?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Vogelxo (for the skin) is used to treat conditions in men that result from a lack of natural testosterone.

Testosterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose.

Vogelxo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Vogelxo if you have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.

Topical testosterone is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects or symptoms of male features in a child or woman who comes into contact with this medicine. Call your doctor if a person who has close contact with you develops enlarged genitals, premature pubic hair, increased libido, aggressive behavior, male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, increased acne, irregular menstrual periods, or any signs of male characteristics.

Testosterone can harm an unborn baby. A pregnant woman should avoid coming into contact with this medicine, or with a man''s skin where the medicine has been applied.

Misuse of testosterone can cause dangerous or irreversible effects. Never use more than your prescribed dose. Do not share this medicine with another person.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to testosterone patches or gels, or if you have;

• prostate cancer; or

• male breast cancer.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breast cancer or prostate cancer;

• enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• heart problems;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or

• liver or kidney disease.

The testosterone transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

Using testosterone may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Testosterone can lower your sperm count and may affect fertility (your ability to have children).

This medicine should not be used by a woman. Testosterone may harm an unborn baby. A pregnant woman should avoid coming into contact with Vogelxo patches or gels, or with a man''s skin areas where a patch has been worn or the gel has been applied. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water right away.

Do not use Vogelxo on anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Vogelxo?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Never use Vogelxo in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Misuse of testosterone can cause dangerous or irreversible effects, such as enlarged breasts, small testicles, infertility, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, liver disease, bone growth problems, addiction, and mental effects such as aggression and violence.

Do not share Vogelxo with another person.

Different brands of testosterone topical have different instructions for use. Not every brand of this medicine is used on the same skin areas. Some brands are applied to the shoulder, upper arm, or stomach. Other brands are applied to the thighs or to the underarms. Carefully follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not apply Vogelxo to your penis or scrotum. Some brands of this medicine should also not be applied to the back, chest, or stomach areas. Apply this medicine only to the skin areas recommended for your specific brand of testosterone topical.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying testosterone transdermal.

Apply testosterone gel to dry skin after showering or bathing. Allow the medicine to dry for at least 5 minutes before you dress.

Testosterone gel is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Cover treated skin areas with clothing to keep from getting this medicine on other people. If someone else does come into contact with a treated skin area, they must wash the contact area right away with soap and water.

Keep each skin patch in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Do not use a skin patch that has been cut or damaged.

Apply the transdermal skin patch to a flat, clean, dry, and undamaged area of skin on your back, stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Wear the patch for 24 hours and then replace it with a new patch. Choose a different skin area each time you put on a new patch. Do not use the same skin area twice in a 7-day period.

You may need frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

After removing a skin patch, fold it closed with the sticky side in, and throw it away. Place used patches and empty testosterone tubes in a trash container that pets and children cannot get to.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

If a skin patch falls off in the morning, reapply it. If it does not stick well, apply a new patch. If the patch falls off in the afternoon and cannot be reapplied, wait until your regular patch replacement time in the evening before putting on a new patch.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Vogelxo?

Do not apply Vogelxo to your penis or your scrotum.

Avoid swimming, bathing, or showering for at least 2 hours after applying testosterone gel. Follow the directions provided with your specific brand.

Avoid using lotions, oils, or other skin products on the area where you will apply the skin patch. The patch may not stick properly to the skin.

Avoid using an ointment form of any steroid skin medicine your doctor recommends to treat skin irritation caused by wearing a testosterone skin patch. This includes over-the-counter hydrocortisone.

Vogelxo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Vogelxo may cause serious side effects. Stop using Vogelxo and call your doctor at once if you have:

• increased urination (many times per day), loss of bladder control;

• painful or difficult urination;

• breast pain or swelling;

• painful or bothersome erections;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath during sleep;

• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or

• signs of a blood clot deep in the body--swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.

Topical testosterone is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects or symptoms of male features in a child or woman who comes into contact with this medicine. Call your doctor if a person who has close contact with you develops enlarged genitals, premature pubic hair, increased libido, aggressive behavior, male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, increased acne, irregular menstrual periods, or any signs of male characteristics.

Common side effects of Vogelxo may include:

• redness, itching, burning, hardened skin or other irritation where the medicine was applied or where the skin patch was worn;

• increased red blood cells (may cause dizziness, itching, redness in your face, or muscle pain);

• increased prostate-specific antigen;

• increased blood pressure;

• headache;

• mood changes, strange dreams;

• frequent or prolonged erections;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• swelling in your lower legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Vogelxo?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• insulin;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or

• steroid medicine (methylprednisolone, prednisone, and others.)

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect testosterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• What are the brands of testosterone?
• How much does Jatenzo cost?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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