Topical Diclofenac for Headaches

(DITCH Trial)

Overseen By Cristian Villegas, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Prior Safety Data

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The intervention will consist of the nursing staff applying 2 grams of diclofenac 1% gel topically to the posterior cervical region four times daily. The control group will receive petroleum jelly topically to the posterior cervical region four times daily. Patients will receive a pre-intervention and post-intervention survey incorporating the Numeric Assessment Scale and Headache Impact Test-6.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on dual antiplatelet therapy or have certain conditions like chronic pain managed with continuous opioids.

What data supports the idea that Topical Diclofenac for Headaches is an effective drug?

The available research shows that topical diclofenac gel is effective in reducing pain and inflammation, but the studies focus on conditions like sunburn and psoriatic arthritis rather than headaches. For sunburn, diclofenac gel significantly reduced pain and redness, with effects lasting up to 48 hours. In psoriatic arthritis, it was preferred over other anti-inflammatory drugs by most patients. However, there is no specific data provided on its effectiveness for headaches compared to other treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for topical diclofenac treatments?

Topical diclofenac treatments, such as gels and patches, have been studied for various conditions including sunburn, osteoarthritis, and localized pain. Studies show that these treatments are generally well-tolerated with mild adverse effects like pruritus, paresthesia, and application-site reactions. Serious adverse events are rare. Diclofenac sodium 1% gel, for example, provides effective pain relief with limited systemic exposure and a low incidence of systemic adverse events. Diclofenac epolamine patches also show good tolerability and effectiveness for mild-to-moderate pain. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Is Diclofenac Gel a promising drug for headaches?

Diclofenac Gel is promising because it effectively reduces pain and inflammation, as shown in studies where it relieved sunburn pain quickly and had a lasting effect. It also has a good safety profile with minimal side effects. ^{1 3 6 9 10}

Research Team

Duc Tran, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Loma Linda University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-90 who are hospitalized with cervicogenic headaches, can consent for themselves, and speak English or Spanish. Excluded are those on chronic opioid regimens, pregnant women, patients with fibromyalgia or cervical spine procedures history, primary headache from intracranial pathology, known diclofenac sensitivity, recent nerve blocks or steroid injections.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak English or Spanish.

I am between 18 and 90 years old.

I have headaches due to a neck condition.

Exclusion Criteria

I was discharged from acute rehab in less than 14 days.

I haven't had nerve blocks in the last 4 weeks or steroid injections in the last 6 months.

My headaches are caused by a brain tumor.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Diclofenac Gel (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug)

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of diclofenac gel versus petroleum jelly in treating cervicogenic headaches. Participants will apply either diclofenac gel or petroleum jelly to their neck four times daily. Their headache severity before and after treatment will be measured using surveys.

Participant Groups

Group I: Diclofenac Gel Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Nursing staff will apply 2 grams of diclofenac 1% gel topically to the posterior cervical region of the subject four times daily for 14 days. A questionnaire consisting of a Numeric Assessment Scale (NAS) and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) will be administered at baseline (day 1), day 7, and at the study conclusion (day 14). A complete metabolic panel will obtained on day 0 and on day 14.

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Nursing staff will apply a petroleum gel based compound topically to the posterior cervical region of the subject four times daily for 14 days. A questionnaire consisting of a Numeric Assessment Scale (NAS) and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) will be administered at baseline (day 1), day 7, and at the study conclusion (day 14). A complete metabolic panel will obtained on day 0 and on day 14.

Diclofenac Gel is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Voltaren for:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Pain
• Inflammation

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Loma Linda University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

322

Recruited

267,000+

Findings from Research

A 0.1% diclofenac-Na Emulgel significantly alleviated pain and reduced symptoms like erythema and oedema in sunburned skin, showing efficacy when applied 6 and 10 hours after UV exposure.

A single application of the gel provided pain relief within 2 hours and maintained symptom reduction for up to 48 hours, demonstrating its effectiveness as a treatment for sunburn.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac-Na gel is effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with exposure to ultraviolet light - results of two clinical studies. Kienzler, JL., Magnette, J., Queille-Roussel, C., et al.[2013]

In a study of 467 adults using over-the-counter Voltaren gel (diclofenac), participants reported a significant reduction in pain severity, improving by an average of 1.2 points on a scale of 0 to 10 after 12 weeks of treatment.

The majority of users, particularly those aged 65 and older, showed high satisfaction with the treatment and rarely switched to other topical therapies, indicating that Voltaren gel is a well-tolerated option for managing musculoskeletal pain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patients' experience and utilization patterns of diclofenac gel in Germany: a real-world study with a prospective longitudinal survey and a retrospective analysis of pharmacy data. Maihöfner, C., de Haas, A., Sethi, V., et al.[2023]

In a clinical trial involving 172 subjects with first-degree sunburn, diclofenac-Na 0.1% gel significantly reduced pain intensity and erythema compared to a placebo gel, with effects noticeable within hours and peaking at 30 hours post-application.

The treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild and infrequent side effects reported, indicating that diclofenac-Na gel is a safe option for managing pain and discomfort from sunburn.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy and safety of low-dose diclofenac sodium 0.1% gel for the symptomatic relief of pain and erythema associated with superficial natural sunburn. Magnette, J., Kienzler, JL., Alekxandrova, I., et al.[2013]

In a study involving 32 patients with filamentary keratitis due to secondary Sjögren's syndrome, diclofenac sodium, 0.1%, demonstrated a significantly faster improvement in clinical symptoms compared to sodium chloride, 5%.

Both treatments were effective in eliminating filaments, and no significant adverse effects were reported, indicating that diclofenac sodium is a safe option for treating this condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac sodium, 0.1% (Voltaren Ophtha), versus sodium chloride, 5%, in the treatment of filamentary keratitis. Avisar, R., Robinson, A., Appel, I., et al.[2019]

In a study of 10 patients with significant psoriatic arthritis, diclonate P (sodium diclofenac) showed high clinical effectiveness, with 9 patients preferring it over previously used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The treatment led to improvements in 10 out of 12 evaluated symptoms, with 7 showing significant improvement, and it was well-tolerated, causing only mild gastralgia in one patient, without adverse effects on psoriasis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The efficacy of diclonate P in psoriatic arthritis]. Burdeĭnyĭ, AP.[2013]

Solaraze gel, which contains 3% diclofenac, has been used since 2001 as a topical treatment for actinic keratoses and is commonly utilized in dermatology.

While undesirable effects from Solaraze gel are considered rare, they can include skin reactions such as pruritus, paresthesia, and contact dermatitis, with recent reports highlighting cases of contact dermatitis linked to diclofenac and other allergens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Photoallergic contact dermatitis from topical diclofenac in Solaraze gel. Kowalzick, L., Ziegler, H.[2013]

Topical NSAIDs, like diclofenac sodium 1% gel, provide effective pain relief for osteoarthritis (OA) with less risk of serious side effects compared to oral NSAIDs, making them a preferred option for patients with mild-to-moderate OA.

Clinical trials indicate that diclofenac sodium 1% gel offers significant analgesia with a low incidence of systemic adverse events, supporting its use as a safe and effective treatment for OA in the United States.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Topical therapy for osteoarthritis: clinical and pharmacologic perspectives. Altman, R., Barkin, RL.[2013]

The topical diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) patch provides significant pain relief and improved function for various conditions, including minor injuries and osteoarthritis, while minimizing systemic side effects due to low absorption.

The addition of heparin in the DHEP+H patch enhances its effectiveness without compromising safety, making it a reliable option for treating localized mild-to-moderate pain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac epolamine topical patch for the treatment of pain. Affaitati, G., Giamberardino, MA., Lapenna, D., et al.[2019]

Topical diclofenac diethylamine (DDEA) 2.32% gel applied twice daily significantly reduced pain on movement in patients with acute ankle sprain, with a reduction of 49.1 mm compared to 25.4 mm in the placebo group by day 5 (P < 0.0001).

DDEA gel was well tolerated and led to a significant reduction in ankle swelling and improved treatment satisfaction, with over 70% of DDEA patients experiencing at least a 50% reduction in pain compared to only 21% in the placebo group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of diclofenac diethylamine 2.32% gel in acute ankle sprain. Predel, HG., Hamelsky, S., Gold, M., et al.[2013]

Topical diclofenac solution (1.5% w/w) significantly improves pain and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee compared to placebo, based on trials lasting 4 to 12 weeks.

It is as effective as oral diclofenac (150 mg/day) for treating osteoarthritis symptoms, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects and better overall tolerance, though dry skin at the application site was a common issue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Topical diclofenac solution. Moen, MD.[2021]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac-Na gel is effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with exposure to ultraviolet light - results of two clinical studies. [2013]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patients' experience and utilization patterns of diclofenac gel in Germany: a real-world study with a prospective longitudinal survey and a retrospective analysis of pharmacy data. [2023]

3. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy and safety of low-dose diclofenac sodium 0.1% gel for the symptomatic relief of pain and erythema associated with superficial natural sunburn. [2013]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac sodium, 0.1% (Voltaren Ophtha), versus sodium chloride, 5%, in the treatment of filamentary keratitis. [2019]

5. Russia (Federation) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The efficacy of diclonate P in psoriatic arthritis]. [2013]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Photoallergic contact dermatitis from topical diclofenac in Solaraze gel. [2013]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Topical therapy for osteoarthritis: clinical and pharmacologic perspectives. [2013]

8. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diclofenac epolamine topical patch for the treatment of pain. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of diclofenac diethylamine 2.32% gel in acute ankle sprain. [2013]

10. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Topical diclofenac solution. [2021]