Solaraze topical gel treats actinic keratosis (flat, scaly growths on the skin caused by too much sun exposure). Solaraze Gel is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

To use the topical Solaraze gel: 

• Use Solaraze Gel exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work if applied correctly. Keep using this medicine for full-time treatment.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• Apply for the medicine carefully to clean dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not apply Solaraze Gel to areas with broken skin, open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin.
• Apply for enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
• Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the same skin areas where you have applied Solaraze Gel.
• After applying Solaraze Gel, do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 1 hour. Wait 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with gloves or clothing.

Solaraze Gel may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is more likely in people who already have heart disease or have used this medicine for a long time.

Solaraze Gel may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels. It is more likely that you have had a stomach ulcer in the past if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, are over 60 years of age, are in poor health, or are using certain other medicines.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while using Solaraze Gel.

While using Solaraze Gel, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than usual, and too much sunlight may increase the effects of the medicine. During this period:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed, or booth.
• Make sure you have discussed using a sunblock product with your doctor.

More common side effects of Solaraze Gel include:

• Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
• itching skin

Less common side effects of Solaraze Gel include:

• Blood in the urine
• chest pain or tightness
• cough
• dry, itching, or burning eyes
• eye pain
• headaches, including migraines
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• redness of the skin
• redness or swelling of the eyes
• runny or stuffy nose
• skin rash other than at the application site
• sore throat
• trouble breathing
• ulcers or sores on the skin other than at the application site.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the side effects occur.

What additional information about Solaraze Gel should you know?

Do not let anyone else use your Solaraze Gel. You must keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you take and any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.

Is drinking alcohol safe when using Solaraze Gel?

Do not drink alcohol while taking Solaraze Gel. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Contact your care team immediately if you experience bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds.

What side effects can Solaraze Gel cause?

Rash, scaling, dry skin, swelling, or itching may occur at the application site.