Trifena

Generic name: diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical [ dye-KLOE-fen-ak, LYE-doe-kane, and-MEN-thol-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Trifena?

Trifena (for the skin) is a combination medicine used in adults and children at least 12 years old to relieve pain temporarily.

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

Trifena side effects

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

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

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

• high blood pressure, heart disease, cirrhosis or other liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke;

• symptoms last for more than 7 days, or improve but come back after 3 days; or

• pale, gray, or blue colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, or tired.

Common side effects of Trifena may include:

• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the medicine was applied.

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.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, cyclobenzaprine, tramadol, naproxen, oxycodone, Tylenol

Warnings

Trifena can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Trifena just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol, or to other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin.

Trifena can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;

• a habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• if you are age 60 or older;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• blisters, hives, skin redness;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• fluid retention; or

• liver or kidney disease.

If you are pregnant, you should not use Trifena unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID (diclofenac) during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use Trifena?

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

Apply Trifena to the affected area for up to 12 hours.

Clean and dry the affected area before application. You may wear clothing over the area of application. Wash your hands after handling Trifena.

Remove the film and throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive sides stick to itself. Keep used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

If a burning feeling or irritation occurs during application, wash Trifena off your skin and do not reapply Trifena until the irritation is less intense.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Do not apply Trifena in the eyes, nose, mouth, or to an open skin wound or on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin.

Do not use large amounts of diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical without medical advice.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if your symptoms clear up and then come back within 3 days.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat or open flame.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Trifena is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

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 Trifena?

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

Avoid exposing treated skin to heat, sunlight, or tanning beds. Heat can increase the amount of diclofenac, lidocaine, and menthol topical you absorb through your skin.

What other drugs will affect Trifena?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• steroids; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

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

Further 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.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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