Effigel Tb Gel 60g

What is Effigel and when is it used?

Effigel contains the active substance diclofenac, which belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs). Effigel has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and, thanks to the aqueous-alcoholic base, has a soothing, cooling effect.

Effigel is used for the external treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling in

• Injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, e.g. sprains, bruises, strains or back pain after sports or accidents,
• localized forms of Soft tissue rheumatism, such as tendonitis (tennis elbow), shoulder-hand syndrome, bursitis, periarthropathies,
• and for the symptomatic therapy of arthrosis of small and medium-sized joints that are close to the skin, such as finger joints or knees.

Effigel is intended for use in adults and adolescents from the age of 12.

When must Effigel not be used?

Effigel must not be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient diclofenac or other pain, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic substances (especially acetylsalicylic acid/aspirin and ibuprofen) or hypersensitivity to one of the excipients (for a complete list of excipients, see the section "What does Effigel contain?"). Such hypersensitivity manifests itself e.g. through wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma), breathing difficulties, skin rash with blistering, hives, swelling of the face and tongue, runny nose.

Effigel must not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy (see also "Can Effigel be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?").

When should Effigel be used with caution?

• Effigel must not be applied to open skin wounds (e.g. after abrasions, cuts) or to damaged skin (e.g. eczema, skin rashes).
• Effigel should not be applied to large areas over a long period of time unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Stop treatment immediately if a rash occurs after using the preparation
• Eyes and mucous membranes should be treated not come into contact with the preparation. If this does happen, rinse your eyes thoroughly with tap water and inform your doctor if the symptoms persist. Do not take the medicine. If you accidentally swallow the gel or if this happens to a child, contact your doctor immediately. Wash your hands after use, except when treating the finger joints (see also "How do you use Effigel?").
• Effigel contains macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate. This can cause skin irritation. Effigel contains a fragrance with linalool, cinnamyl alcohol, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl salicylate, isoeugenol, geraniol, citronella oil, benzyl alcohol, citral. These substances can cause allergic reactions.
• Effigel must not be used with airtight bandages.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you have previously had allergic symptoms after using similar preparations (rheumatism ointments), or if you

• suffer from other diseases
• All have ergies or
• use other medicines (including those you bought yourself!).

Can Effigel be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

During the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy and during the STIEffigel must not be used at all times unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Effigel must not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn child or cause problems during childbirth.

If you are planning a pregnancy, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist or druggist for advice before use.

As a precaution, you should during pregnancy and breastfeeding If possible, do without medicines for as long as possible or ask your doctor, pharmacist or druggist for advice.

How do you use Effigel?

The preparation is only intended for external use.

Adults and adolescents from the age of 12

Depending on the size of the painful or swollen areas or areas to be treated, an amount of 2– 4 g Effigel (amount the size of a cherry to a walnut) applied, gently rubbed in or massaged in for muscle pain.

After use

• Wipe your hands with a dry paper towel, then wash your hands well, except when treating your fingers. Dispose of the paper towel with the household waste.
• Before showering or bathing, you should wait until the Effigel has dried on your skin.

If you have forgotten to use Effigel, use it as soon as possible. Do not apply double the amount to make up for the missed treatment.

Inform your doctor if symptoms worsen or if symptoms have not improved after a week. Effigel should not be used for longer than 2 weeks without a doctor's prescription. Use the preparation for the shortest possible time, do not apply more than is necessary.

Children under 12 years

The use and safety of Effigel in children under 12 years of age has not yet been systematically tested. Its use is therefore not recommended.

If you or your child have (accidentally) swallowed Effigel, contact your doctor immediately.

Observe the dosage given in the package insert or prescribed by the doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Effigel have?

The following side effects can occur when using Effigel, some rare or very rare side effects can be serious.

If any of the following side effects occur, stop using Effigel and inform your doctor immediately or your doctor:

• severe skin rash with blisters, hives,
• wheezing, shortness of breath or a tight feeling in the chest (asthma),
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat.

These other side effects are usually mild and temporary:

• Common (affects 1 to 10 users in 100): rash, itching, redness, burning sensation of the skin;
• very rare (affects less than 1 user in 10,000): increased sensitivity to sunlight. Signs of this are sunburn with itching, swelling and blistering.

If you notice any side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This also applies in particular to side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

What else is to be donePlease note?

The medicine may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container.

Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater (e.g. not down the toilet or sink). This helps to protect the environment.

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

Keep out of the reach of children.

Further information

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed technical information.

What does Effigel contain?

Active substances

100 g Effigel contain diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 1 g diclofenac sodium.

Excipients

Soy lecithin, macrogol-8-stearate (type I), macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate, carbomers, sodium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol, purified Water, fragrance (linalool, cinnamic alcohol, amyl cinnamaldehyde, benzyl salicylate, isoeugenol, geraniol, citronella oil, benzyl alcohol, citral).

Authorization number

55429 (Swissmedic)

Where can you get Effigel? Which packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Tubes of 60 and 100 g.

Authorization holder

IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, Lugano.

This package leaflet was last checked by the medicinal products authority (Swissmedic) in August 2021.