How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.
For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 2 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 8 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints.
Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease.
How long can you take diclofenac for? Diclofenac is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment. You'll take the medication for as long as it's safe and effective in treating symptoms of your condition. Diclofenac can sometimes be used short term if this works to treat symptoms of your condition.
When used for severe or continuing arthritis, this medicine must be taken every day as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or longer may pass before you begin to feel better.
Voltaren gel can be applied up to 4 times a day. But you shouldn't apply it to more than 2 painful joints at one time. You also shouldn't use it for more than 21 days. If you feel you still need it after that, it's time to check with a healthcare provider.
Taking too much diclofenac sodium does not usually cause serious problems. The person may have some stomach pain and vomiting (possibly with blood). However, these symptoms will likely get better. In rare cases, a blood transfusion is needed.
by Drugs.com
Ibuprofen is not as potent as diclofenac and is a safer choice for the general public, hence the decision to restrict the availability of diclofenac.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, slow/shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness. Do not share this medication with others. Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver/kidney function, blood pressure) may be done while you are using this medication.
How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use the gel for longer than 14 days unless longer treatment has been recommended by a doctor. The gel is not recommended for use in children under 14 years of age. Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief Gel has a pleasant smell and will not stain clothing.
You should not use Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly to relieve the pain of mild osteoarthritis for more than three weeks unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. If the pain and swelling do not improve within 7 days, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.
Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
Conclusion: Celecoxib 200 mg daily is as effective as diclofenac 150 mg daily for relieving signs and symptoms of OA of the knee, including pain, and has a rapid onset of action. However, celecoxib appears to have a superior safety and tolerability profile.
Ibuprofen is available over the counter and may be the safer treatment for pain and fever.
In general, meloxicam is considered a stronger painkiller and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. On the other hand, ibuprofen is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription for higher-strength products.
Diclofenac is the generic name for the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain. Diclofenac is also available in oral formulations for a broader range of pain indications. Voltaren Arthritis Pain is made of a smooth, non-greasy formula that combines a gel and cream (Voltaren Emulgel™) for topical application.
Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...
Only 6% to 20% of the dose gets into the bloodstream, and there is definitely an effect locally. The benefit is not immense, but 60% of people will have pain reduced by half or more using topical NSAIDs.
Certain People Should Avoid Using Diclofenac Gel
Patients who develop asthma, hives or other allergic reactions when taking aspirin or NSAIDs should not use diclofenac gel. People with hypersensitivity to diclofenac should not use Voltaren gel.
A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys.
World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News Diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — raises the risk of a heart attack by about 40 percent.