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Solaraze
Solaraze Gel is licensed for the treatment of dry, scaly precancerous patches on the skin known as actinic keratoses. This prescription medication is a type of NSAID and works by blocking certain enzymes in the body and reducing inflammation. It comes in the form of a gel and is typically applied to the skin twice a day for 60 to 90 days. The most common side effects of this product are itching, rashes, and dry skin.
Solaraze® Gel (diclofenac gel) is a prescription medication approved to treat actinic keratosis (AK). Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly precancerous patches on the skin.
(Click Solaraze Gel Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Solaraze Gel is made by PharmaDerm, a division of Nycomed US, Inc.
Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Solaraze Gel, belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Like other NSAIDs, it works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX) and blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body.
It is not entirely clear why Solaraze works to treat actinic keratosis lesions. However, it is thought that by inhibiting the COX enzymes, Solaraze may encourage death of the precancerous cells.
This medication has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies compared Solaraze Gel to a placebo (a gel that does not contain any active ingredient). These studies demonstrated that Solaraze Gel was significantly better than the placebo for eliminating actinic keratoses.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD