The gel comes with less risk because it is put on and absorbed through your skin, while the oral form goes through your entire body (systemic). Before you use Voltaren in any form, you should tell your provider about any other medications or supplements you take.
The level of drug entering the bloodstream is much lower than when the NSAID is taken by mouth. For example, topical NSAIDs reduce the systemic exposure by almost 90 percent. This minimizes the risk of harmful side effects.
Differences in Side Effects
Researchers have found that: Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients. 1. There is an increased risk of liver damage with the use of Voltaren as compared to other NSAIDs.
Less Pain, Fewer Side Effects
Diclofenac is available as a gel (Voltaren and generic), drop (Pennsaid and generic), or patch (Flector). Compared with pills, those topical forms of the medication result in lower levels of the medication in your blood.
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.
It can be applied directly to specific painful joints in the body. Voltaren gel works directly where you apply it with little absorption to the bloodstream.
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.
Research trials provide good evidence that topical anti-inflammatories work better than dummy creams or gels. Studies suggest that topical anti-inflammatories can be as effective as tablets but have fewer side-effects.
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. It's best to take the lowest dose that works for the shortest possible time.
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.
It appears that Voltaren Gel works as well as Voltaren tablets when it comes to those joints that are closer to the surface of the body, such as the hands, knees, elbows and ankles. In fact, pain levels fell by 46% among patients with osteoarthritis of the hands after six weeks of regularly applying the Voltaren Gel.
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.
ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) naproxen (such as Naprosyn)
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.
Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug. Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks.
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.
Diclofenac has been confirmed as a non-threshold multitargeted drug that causes alterations in different organs of the body, including the lung, stomach, kidney, liver, and heart.
Is diclofenac or ibuprofen more effective? A meta-analysis of 176 studies and 146,524 patients published in the Journal of Arthritis Research and Therapy found that diclofenac 150 mg/day is more effective than ibuprofen 2,400 mg/day for arthritis pain relief.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.
NSAIDs are not the only way to control muscle and joint pain. By deploying a range of remedies, you may be able to reduce your need for NSAIDs or even eliminate it. These add-ons to pain relievers include heat or cold, physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss—especially if the problem is arthritis.
Long-term treatment with Voltaren can change your liver enzymes. On a blood test, your levels might be higher than normal even before you have symptoms. This can be a sign of serious liver problems that could lead to the need for a liver transplant or even be fatal if not treated.
“NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to the onset of new hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events…Blood pressure should be monitored closely during the initiation of therapy with Voltaren Gel and throughout the course ...
This medicine may raise 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 intestines. These problems can happen without warning signs.