You rub Voltaren gel in gently until it's absorbed, focusing on massaging it into the entire affected area (like the whole knee or ankle), not just a few seconds; use the provided dosing card for correct amounts (2g for small joints, 4g for large), apply up to 4 times daily, and wash hands immediately after unless hands are the treated area, then wait at least an hour before washing the application site.
Squeeze the gel out and rub it in. Measure the amount of the gel using the dosing card and then gently apply to the affected area, slowly rubbing into the skin.
For Voltaren® 1% topical gel: After applying this medicine, do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 1 hour.
Specially designed to penetrate
When applied as directed, Voltaren is retained in the following: Subcutaneous tissue (the layer that underlies the skin) at a mean concentration of up to 91 ng/ml. Muscle at a mean concentration of up to 63 ng/g. Synovial tissue at a mean concentration of up to 20 ng/ml.
Whereas a very mild overdose may only cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, larger overdoses can be fatal. It's critical to note, though, that mild stomach pain can still indicate massive—and potentially deadly—internal bleeding.
As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.
Overview: Topical diclofenac (Voltaren) is used for arthritis pain. Common side effects include redness, itching, rash, dry skin, scaling, or peeling where you use it.
Shower or clean your skin before applying topical diclofenac. If you want to shower after using this medication, wait about 30 minutes (solution) or 1 hour (gel) to give your body time to absorb the medication.
It may increase a patient's risk of heart attack by 40%. The risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attack, increases in patients with a history of cardiovascular issues, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Voltaren Emulgel Extra Strength can be applied twice daily (morning and evening).
“Voltaren works fairly quickly — within a week — but the pill works quicker,” says Dr. Altman. And taking a pill would be a lot easier for someone who has multiple joints affected by arthritis, he says. You also have to make sure you don't slather it on multiple joints and exceed the total recommended dosage.
You can take paracetamol alongside Voltarol, as both operate differently enough to not cause any interactions or issues. However, please read the Patient Information Leaflet (available in our “Info Leaflet” section) before using a new medication. This is especially important while using other medications.
For severe pain, topical NSAIDs likely won't match the effects of oral meds, but those who have mild to moderate arthritis may find relief. They come in OTC and prescription gels and creams. A Cochrane review found that diclofenac or Voltaren, ibuprofen and ketoprofen gels are the most effective.
Note: Voltaren gel is only meant for external use. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes, mouth, or nose. You also shouldn't apply it to areas of skin that have a cut, rash, or infection.
Now, you may be asking, “Why can't I use Voltaren gel on my back or shoulder?” This is because it hasn't been well-studied on these body areas.
Voltaren penetrates deep to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, bringing relief from acute knee pain.
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. The problem is that some of those enzymes also help blood to clot and protect the lining of your stomach.
Voltaren is only available with a doctor's prescription. It is not addictive. not sure if you are taking any of these medicines, ask your pharmacist. If you are allergic to aspirin or NSAID medicines and take Voltaren, these symptoms may be severe.
Put the gel on the painful or swollen area and slowly rub it in. It may feel cool on your skin. Wash your hands afterwards.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass of liquid. They will work more quickly if you take them at least half an hour before meals or two hours after meals. But, if they upset your stomach, you can take them with food. Do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after taking the tablets.
In addition to their topical effects, topical ointments can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and produce systemic effects. Thus, topical ointments have both local and systemic effects, and their use requires extreme caution, especially when applied to children or over large areas of skin.
Voltaren Gel® is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats joint pain caused by arthritis. The medication in Voltaren Gel is diclofenac. It works by decreasing inflammation.
2-4 Assuming a 6% absorption rate, if 2g of 1% diclofenac sodium gel is applied (20 mg of diclofenac sodium), approximately 1.2 mg of diclofenac might enter the bloodstream.