Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the answers to common questions that patients and healthcare providers have about Licart, its application and use, its ingredients, and more.
General
What is Licart used for?
Licart is indicated for the treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions. It can be used with other non-NSAIDS or salicylate pain therapies to control your pain or it may be used alone.
What is the active ingredient in Licart?
The active ingredient in Licart is diclofenac epolamine (DHEP), a drug that has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation. Diclofenac is also available in oral form. But unlike oral drugs, Licart delivers diclofenac directly to your source of pain for targeted and powerful relief.
How is Licart different from Flector® (diclofenac epolamine) topical system?
Licart offers once-a-day dosing for pain relief that begins within 1-3 hours of first application.¹
Unlike other topical pain relievers like Flector, Licart is intended for once-a-day application.
How is Licart different from oral pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen?
Licart is powerful once-a-day pain relief that’s available by prescription only, unlike acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which are available with and without a prescription. Licart delivers powerful targeted medicine to the site of your pain. You simply peel Licart from its adhesive backing and apply it directly to where it hurts. With Licart you can go about your daily routine with a single application. And unlike topical ointments or creams, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant odor or mess either.
How is Licart different from Voltaren gel?
Both Licart and Voltaren gel® are topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Licart is a powerful prescription medicine for acute pain from minor strains, sprains, and contusions. Voltaren gel is a nonprescription drug indicated for osteoarthritis pain. It is to be applied several times daily and can take up to 7 days to reach its full effect for arthritis pain. By contrast, Licart offers once-a-day administration. It starts reducing pain within 1-3 hours after its first application.¹
And Licart is easy to use. You just peel it from its adhesive backing and apply where it hurts. Voltaren gel requires a special measuring guide that provides the correct quantity to apply. But that’s not all. Unlike Voltaren gel and other over-the-counter topical pain relievers, Licart is mess-free, has no unpleasant odor, and won’t stick to clothes.
Are there coupons or other discounts available for Licart?
There are several ways to help you save on your Licart prescription. These include:
• The Licart Copay Savings Card. Most patients with commercial health insurance can pay as little as $0 for a one-month supply. Note: Patients enrolled in government healthcare programs are not eligible. Maximum value of $360. You can get a savings card from your doctor or download them by clicking here.
• The Licart Direct Program. For patients with or without commercial health insurance, Licart Direct offers the lowest out-of-pocket price available and fast home delivery via a network of mail-order pharmacies. See below to learn more about Licart Direct and today’s low Licart Direct prices.
Go to Licart Patient Savings Options or click here to learn more about each option.
Usage
How do I use Licart?
Licart is easy to apply–simply peel the adhesive backing from the Licart patch, and stick it directly where it hurts. If the patch begins to peel off, the edges may be taped down or a mesh netting sleeve may be used to keep it in place.
How often can Licart be used?
Licart is meant to be used once daily. Its unique hydrophilic adhesion promotes skin adherence.²
So you can go about your day without worrying about reapplication. It’s pain relief that sticks.
How long does Licart take to work?
Licart starts working within 1-3 hours after first application. Some topical gels can take up to 7 days before they reach their peak pain-reducing effect.¹
With Licart, you can get fast and powerful pain relief quickly to where you need it.
Can Licart be used with other nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs?
If you are taking an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), consult with your physician before starting Licart. Concomitant use of oral and topical NSAIDs like Licart may result in higher rates of bleeding and abnormal kidney function. If you are taking oral NSAID therapy, your physician will determine if the benefits of using Licart in combination with these drugs provides clinical benefits that outweigh their risk. When using Licart in combination with oral NSAID drugs, periodic laboratory evaluations may be conducted.
Can I use Licart for muscle or back pain?
Yes, Licart can be used to treat acute pain due to muscle and back strains, sprains, and other injuries.
Can I use Licart for knee pain?
Yes, Licart may be used to treat acute pain due to knee strains, sprains, and other injuries. However, Licart is not indicated to treat knee pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA).
Safety
Can Licart be used with other medications?
Licart offers localized delivery of its active ingredient, which means it may reduce the risk of systemic adverse events. Before starting any new pain therapy, talk to your doctor about your other medications. Patients taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be advised of the risks and benefits of taking these drugs in combination with Licart. Please refer to the Important Safety Information, before beginning Licart therapy.
How should I store Licart?
Licart should be stored at 68-77°F. Temperature excursions are permitted between 59-86°F. Once the envelope has been opened, Licart is stable up to 6 months if stored at room temperature in the resealed envelope.
Can I use Licart if I’m under 18 years old?
The safety and effectiveness of Licart in pediatric patients have not been established.
Can I use Licart if I’m pregnant?
The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Licart during the third trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of fetal injury. The use of NSAIDs should be avoided for pregnant women starting at 30 weeks gestation. Click here to see Important Safety Information for Licart.
What are the side effects of Licart?
In clinical studies, the adverse events associated with Licart were comparable to placebo. The most common adverse events with Licart observed in these studies were application site pruritus and other application site reactions.³
Licart is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs like Licart can cause serious side effects, such as:
• new or worse high blood pressure
• heart disease (including heart attack and heart failure)
• liver problems including liver failure
• kidney problems including kidney failure
• low red blood cells (anemia)
• life-threatening skin reactions
• life-threatening allergic reactions
Talk with your doctor about all of your medical conditions and about any prescription or nonprescription medication that you are taking before starting Licart or any other NSAID therapy.
Click here to see Important Safety Information for Licart.
