Pennsaid dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Pennsaid’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Pennsaid. If you want to know more about Pennsaid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pennsaid is a brand-name medication that comes as a topical solution. It’s available in a generic version called diclofenac sodium. This article describes dosages of Pennsaid.

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Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

Form and strength of Pennsaid

Pennsaid comes as follows:

• Form: topical solution*, which you apply to your skin
• Strength: 2%

* Topical means the drug is applied to your skin. A solution is a liquid.

Dosage of Pennsaid

This article describes the recommended dosage for Pennsaid. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Pennsaid without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of Pennsaid in adults

Typically, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Pennsaid. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Pennsaid that gives the desired outcome.

Pennsaid is prescribed to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. You apply it topically (on the skin) of the affected knee. The dosage for the topical solution is in milligrams (mg).

• Dose: 40 mg (2 pumps) to each affected knee; each pump delivers 20 mg of Pennsaid per 1 gram (g) of solution.
• Frequency: twice a day

Missed dose of Pennsaid

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to use a dose of Pennsaid. They may advise you to use the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and use your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Pennsaid and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Pennsaid and its dosage.

How does the dosage of Pennsaid compare with the dosage of Voltaren?

The dosage of Pennsaid is 40 mg (2 pumps of 2 g of solution) to each affected knee twice a day. The dosage of Voltaren gel is 4 g to the affected area four times a day. Voltaren doses are measured by using a dosing card provided by the drug manufacturer.

If you have questions about the dosage of Pennsaid compared to Voltaren, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How many pumps are in Pennsaid?

Pennsaid is available in a 112 g bottle, which supplies 112 total pumps. This means that one bottle of Pennsaid should last about 28 days. Talk with your pharmacist if you have more questions about how many pumps are in Pennsaid.

Can Pennsaid be used on other joints? If so, what is the dosage?

Pennsaid is only approved for the treatment of pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. If you want to know more about medications that can be used for other joints, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Pennsaid used long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Pennsaid as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should use Pennsaid, talk with your doctor.

How Pennsaid is used

You’ll apply Pennsaid to the affected knee twice per day. 

To apply Pennsaid, follow these instructions:

1. Clean and dry the skin around the affected knee.
2. Pump 40 mg (2 pumps) of the solution into your hand or directly onto your knee.
3. Spread the solution evenly around the front, back, and side of your knee.
4. Wash your hands well after applying the solution.
5. Wait until the skin on your knee has dried completely before covering it with clothes or applying sunscreen or other lotions.

Your doctor may advise that you use this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

Pennsaid coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Pennsaid when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of Pennsaid

It’s important that you do not use more Pennsaid than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Pennsaid overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting 

What to do if you use too much Pennsaid

If you think you’ve used too much Pennsaid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Pennsaid. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Pennsaid without your doctor’s recommendation. You should use Pennsaid exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can I use Pennsaid with other medications?
• How does the dosage of Pennsaid compare with similar medications for arthritis of the knee?
• Will my dosage of Pennsaid be changed if the current dosage isn’t working?

Boxed warnings for Pennsaid

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Pennsaid, can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. This includes the risk of a heart attack and stroke, which can be life threatening. This risk may occur early in treatment and remains throughout use of this medication.

Risk of serious digestive problems: NSAIDs, like Pennsaid, can also increase the risk of digestive issues, including bleeding, stomach ulcers, and perforation (holes) in the stomach or intestines. These issues can be life threatening and can occur at any time without symptoms.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.