Voltaren contains an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine which is clinically proven to relieve arthritis joint pain. 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.
Voltaren gel, which is the form that is applied topically (to the skin), is most useful for osteoarthritis of the knees and hands.
For example, you should not use Voltaren: If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke. If you have allergies to this drug or other pain or fever aids such as aspirin. Before or after heart surgery4.
Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
It works by pooling diclofenac on the surface of the skin, the medicine then penetrates the underlying tissues, targeting the inflamed tissues (e.g. around the joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and speed healing) to relieve pain, decrease swelling and support the healing process.
When will I feel better? Diclofenac takes 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it as tablets or capsules.
For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
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.
It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation and works best on small joints. Voltaren topical gel is not for immediate relief and may take up to 7 days to work.
Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...
Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing.
The FDA has warned that both oral and topical NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) can lead to edema and hypertension.
Its active ingredient diclofenac not only provides pain relief but reduces inflammation as one of its sources. With its anti-inflammatory effects, it offers fast and effective relief of back pain and muscle pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
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.
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.
It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
For example, in most cases, Panadol may be used safely in combination with the following NSAIDs: Voltaren (topical gel for joint and muscle pain relief). The active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac sodium, an NSAID that is sometimes recommended for use alongside paracetamol-based medicines like Panadol.
This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine. You may take this medicine with or without food.
Heart problems: Like other NSAID medications, diclofenac may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, which may be fatal. The risk is greater with higher total daily doses and taking the medication for a long period of time.
Gently rub Voltaren into your skin using your hand. You should apply it 4 times a day for best results. Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time. Only apply Voltaren gel to clean, dry skin that doesn't have any cuts, open wounds, infections, or rashes.
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.
Liver damage may occur if this product is used more or longer than directed or when using other products containing diclofenac. This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.
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.
Do not apply this medicine anywhere on your body other than where your doctor tells you. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the solution.
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.