Anafast Gel

Composition of Anafast Gel

Anafast Gel contains Diclofenac (1.16% w/w) + Linseed Oil (3% w/w) + Menthol (5% w/w) + Methyl Salicylate (10% w/w) + Thiocolchicoside (0.125% w/w). It belongs to the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Counter-irritant / topical anti-inflammatory and Centrally acting muscle relaxant class of medicines.

Uses of Anafast Gel

Pain relief

Key benefits

• In Pain relief Anafast Gel gives fast relief from pain and swelling in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• muscle and back pain by creating a cooling-warming effect. It works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the pain in your muscles and joints. Altogether
• it will help you do your daily activities without much problem. Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day and rub in gently and thoroughly.

How Anafast Gel works

Anafast Gel is a combination of five medicines: Diclofenac, Linseed Oil, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, and Thiocolchicoside which relieves pain and relax the muscles. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that causes pain and inflammation (redness and swelling). Linseed Oil has anti-inflammatory properties and thus lowers inflammation in case of arthritis. Menthol and Methyl Salicylate are used as topical analgesic (pain reliever). It works by first cooling the skin then warming it up. This cooling and warming up action interferes with the pain signal transmission through nerves. Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant. It works on the centres in the brain and spinal cord to relieve muscle stiffness or spasm and to improve pain and movement of muscles.

How to take Anafast Gel

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Anafast Gel, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, drowsiness and fits. It is unlikely from skin use, but swallowing these preparations can be serious, particularly in children. It can cause deep drowsiness, muscle weakness, a fall in blood pressure and slowed breathing. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Anafast Gel

Most side effects of Anafast are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Anafast Gel

Warnings and precautions

Take it with or just after food, and for the shortest time that works. Stop and seek urgent care for black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — this group can cause bleeding from the stomach. Long or high-dose use raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney injury, particularly in older people and those already at risk. Avoid if you are dehydrated or have an illness with vomiting or loose motions — the kidneys are vulnerable then. Must be avoided in the last three months of pregnancy. For external use only. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth and broken skin. Do not apply a heating pad or hot water bottle over the treated area — this can cause a burn. Do not bandage tightly over it unless your doctor has told you to. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying, unless your hands are the area being treated. Stop if the skin becomes severely irritated or blisters. This medicine causes drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Use it for the short course your doctor has prescribed — these are not intended for long-term use. Do not stop a long course abruptly without asking your doctor.

Do not take Anafast if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an active stomach ulcer, severe kidney or heart failure, or asthma triggered by aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers. Not in the third trimester of pregnancy. Not for use on broken, infected or badly inflamed skin. Not for people with myasthenia gravis or severe liver disease.

Interactions with other medicines

Combining with a blood thinner or aspirin sharply raises the bleeding risk. Reduces the effect of blood pressure medicines and water tablets, and together with them can harm the kidneys. Never take two anti-inflammatory painkillers at the same time. Topical anti-inflammatory gels add to the effect of the same medicine taken by mouth; tell your doctor if you use both. Alcohol, sleeping tablets, antihistamines and opioid painkillers all add to the drowsiness, sometimes dangerously.

How to store Anafast Gel

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Anafast Gel

You have been prescribed Anafast Gel to get relief from pain. Apply 2-3 times daily or as prescribed by the doctor. Do not apply to large areas of skin or near sensitive areas such as private parts or on broken or injured skin. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose and rinse thoroughly in case of accidental contact or seek medical help in case of swallowing. Avoid applying Anafast Gel right after bathing or shaving. Using this medication on freshly shaved skin areas can cause severe skin irritation. Consult your doctor if you get excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

OVERSEAS HEALTHCARE

Therapeutic class:

PAIN ANALGESICS

Drug class:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Counter-irritant / topical anti-inflammatory and Centrally acting muscle relaxant