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.
As diclofenac gel is absorbed slowly, it makes a medication overdose via your skin unlikely, but if you accidentally or intentionally swallow the gel you should seek medical treatment immediately. You should use the gel only as directed on the product leaflet/labeling.
NSAIDs such as topical diclofenac (Pennsaid, Voltaren) may cause swelling, ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death.
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.
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.
How long does Voltaren gel stay in your system? It may take up to 7 days to feel the full effects of Voltaren gel. The medication typically reaches its highest level in the body roughly 10 to 14 hours after applying it. Diclofenac sodium (the medication in Voltaren gel) can stay in the body for nearly 3 weeks.
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. Voltaren is not appreciably absorbed into the blood, so all of its actions are local.
In all these tests, there were no unwanted effects attributable to long-term treatment with Voltaren. Our study would indicate that Voltaren is a safe drug which has no effect on the organs of haemopoiesis, nor on hepatic or renal function, even in long-term therapy.
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.
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.
Diclofenac sodium topical gel may take up to 7 days to work for your arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. With 4 times-a-day use, you may start to feel relief within a few days. You should feel significant pain relief within 7 days of continuous use.
Is it safe to take long term? Diclofenac tablets and capsules can cause an ulcer in your stomach or gut if you take them for a long time or in big doses. There's also a small risk of heart failure or kidney failure if you take very big doses (150mg a day) for a long time.
The amount of diclofenac sodium that is systemically absorbed from Voltaren® Gel is on average 6% of the systemic exposure from an oral form of diclofenac sodium.
A 25mg diclofenac tablet used to be available OTC in the USA but was withdrawn because of safety and efficacy reasons. Both ibuprofen and diclofenac are in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Comparison of skin permeability for three diclofenac topical formulations: an in vitro study. Pharmazie 2014;69:27-31 [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]. An aqueous solution of diclofenac has been shown to penetrate to a depth of around 3–4 mm into the underlying dermis and subcutaneous tissue56.
Anti-inflammatory gels, such as Voltaren Emulgel
Voltaren Emulgel contains an anti-inflammatory NSAID diclofenac that relieves pain and reduces inflammation, so you can regain the joy of turning your neck.
The FDA has warned that both oral and topical NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) can lead to edema and hypertension.
This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease or in people who use this medicine for a long time. This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels. These problems can happen without warning signs.
In inflammation and pain of traumatic or rheumatic origin, Voltaren Emulgel has been shown to relieve pain, reduce oedema, and shorten the time to return of normal function. 5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties Absorption When Voltaren Emulgel is applied locally, the active substance is absorbed through the skin.
Postmarketing reports of drug-induced hepatotoxicity have been reported in the first month of treatment with diclofenac, but can occur at any time. These reports include cases of severe hepatic reactions, including liver necrosis, jaundice, fulminant hepatitis with and without jaundice, and liver failure.
You should not use Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
In addition, diffusion through hair follicles may be an important transdermal pathway, especially for molecules with low lipid solubility (Barbero & Frasch, 2017). In the present study, diclofenac more readily penetrated and transited the skin from the hydrogel formulation than from either of the emulsion formulations.