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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 often can I use it? 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.
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. If ibuprofen is ineffective then you should see your doctor for something stronger. Both diclofenac and ibuprofen are available in various strengths.
Interactions between your drugs
Using ibuprofen together with diclofenac is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation.
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.
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.
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.
The gel's active ingredients still make it into your bloodstream and can still affect your cardiovascular system. But the amount absorbed is much less, reducing your heart risk compared with oral NSAIDs.
Lidocaine is an anesthetic and works by blocking nerve conduction to numb the feeling of pain. This makes the lidocaine versions of Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay better for nerve pain than Voltaren.
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.
Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients. There is an increased risk of liver damage with the use of Voltaren as compared to other NSAIDs. Voltaren may be a better drug in the management of pain following dental surgery.
Tiger Balm (camphor and menthol topical) has been used in Eastern medicine since the 1870's in the treatment of relieving a variety of aches and pains. It is said to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, the processes of which are yet to be fully understood.
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.
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.
Since acetaminophen works on the pain pathway, it still helps with these problems—but it may not work as well as ibuprofen. However, since acetaminophen is usually safer to take than NSAIDs, it is often recommended to try to use acetaminophen first.
Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other pain relievers. It doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.
Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One topical system applied to the most painful area 2 times a day. Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as shoulder pain. Shoulders are particularly prone to injury, sprains and strains and painful stiffness called frozen shoulder.
Dosage. You'll usually take diclofenac tablets, capsules or suppositories 2 to 3 times a day. The usual dose is 75mg to 150mg a day, depending on what your doctor prescribes for you. Follow your doctor's advice on how many tablets to take, and how many times a day.