Voltaren Gel is diclofenac--a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Basically, diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. This will only provide a break from the pain and does not “cure” joint pain. In some individuals it makes a huge difference and in others it simply takes the edge off the pain.

Generic Name: diclofenac sodium
Type: NSAID (Advil/Ibuprofin is an example of an over-the-counter NSAID)
Application/dosage: Topical gel. Use according to enclosed dosage card directions. Two grams for upper body extremities with an 8-gram per day limit. Four grams for lower body extremities with a 16-gram per day limit. Total dose should not exceed 32 grams per day.
Dispensed as: Prescription in the U.S. Non Prescription outside the U.S.
Prescribed for: Osteoarthritis and joint pain

Volaten Gel can be an alternative to those who can’t tolerate ingested meds

While the list of contraindications and precautions looks daunting, not much is absorbed into the blood stream and can, in fact, be an alternative to those who can’t take the pill or other pills for pain relief. Knowing how to use Voltaren Gel safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. Site or skin reactions are the most common side effects.

People who react to NSAIDs, however, should discuss this medication with their doctor. Patients who suffer gastrointestinal side effects from oral NSAIDs are clearly the ones who will benefit most from this topical product but they can also react from it as well.

It is a topical gel that seeps down into your joint. So you apply it where it hurts.

What Voltaren Emugel is used for:

Voltaren Gel is prescribed for osteoarthritis pain but we’ve heard it can be effective with spondylitis as well although that subject should be addressed with your doctor. It has been reported as effective for RA, rheumatoid arthritis, but the success can be spotty. Same goes for spondylitis.

For example, some RA sufferers find relief in hands or wrists but not elsewhere. Athletes have used it successfully to relieve pain from IT band although exercises, stretching and proper diagnosis is key to ridding yourself of IT band problems.

Where do you get it?

It is the first drug that FDA approved for osteoarthritis pain. Prior to that, US citizens would buy it over the counter in Europe and Mexico where it is still widely available and much less expensive. So it’s available only by prescription in the U.S.

Kinesiology tape and Voltaren?

As a sportsmed experiment, one of our members who has been prescribed Voltaren by her doctor used KT Tape on her knee and in the uncovered areas, she used the gel and experienced a more effective level of pain relief. This is by no means a scientific experiement but we are simply reporting what one of our visitors wrote to tell us worked for her.

Voltaren Pills or Voltaren gel?

Most physicians recommend that you do not use the oral version together with the gel but rather choose one or the other.

In short, those with pain in just one or two joints would probably do well with the gel. If you have pain in multiple joints, the pill will be the most efficient method of pain relief delivery.

Overall, a topical can relieve pain with less risk or side effects. The gel can be such a quality-of-life saver if you have stomach problems with the pill form or have sensitivity to ingested NSAIDs and not topicals. Again, this is on a case-by-case basis and depends on the level of NSAID sensitivity.

Some of the gel does get absorbed into the bloodstream, just substantially less than it would with the pill form. But if you have multiple joint pain, it’s simply labor intensive to apply this regularly to all your joints and the pill form would work for that segment of the population that is not sensitive to NSAIDs and has multiple joints that are stiff and painful.

Voltaren Gel Precautions

Showering/bathing should be avoided for at least 1 hour after the application. Patient should wash his/her hands after use, unless the hands are the treated joint. If Voltaren® Gel is applied to the hand(s) for treatment; patient should not wash the treated hand(s) for at least 1 hour after the application.

• Do not apply Voltaren® Gel to open wounds
• Avoid contact of Voltaren® Gel with eyes and mucous membranes
• Do not apply external heat and/or occlusive dressings to treated joints
• Avoid exposure of the treated joint(s) to sunlight
• Voltaren® Gel should not be used concomitantly with sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellants, or other topical medications on the same skin sites has not been evaluated.
• Concomitant use of Voltaren® Gel with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has not been evaluated, and may increase adverse NSAIDs effects if patient has any
• Wearing of clothing or gloves should be avoided for at least 10 minutes after applying Voltaren Gel

VOLTAREN SIDE EFFECTS: CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISK

Voltaren Gel Contraindications

Do not use Voltaren Gel if:

• You have ever had asthma or a severe allergic reaction caused by aspirin, diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), or another NSAID
• Do not use diclofenac just before or after having heart bypass surgery (CABG)
• Before using Voltaren Gel, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, a blood clotting disorder, asthma, or nasal polyps
• While the risk of absorbing diclofenac topical into your bloodstream is low, an NSAID may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term
• Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance
• This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are using Voltaren Gel, especially in older adults.
• Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Pregnant or nursing-- Only if your doctor recommends it during this time

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