What is the problem with Voltaren?

Voltaren can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use diclofenac just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com

Why was Voltaren taken off the market?

A slew of studies, though, show diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — is just as likely to cause a heart attack as the discredited painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was pulled from the U.S. market in 2004.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on npr.org

What are the negative effects of Voltaren?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com

Why can't you use Voltaren on your back?

It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. 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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthgrades.com

Can you use Voltaren everyday?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on voltarengel.com

Diclofenac (Voltaren) - Uses, Dosing, Side Effects

25 related questions found

Why can't you use Voltaren on your shoulder?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ncnewsonline.com

Why can't you use Voltaren long-term?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

Does Voltaren reduce inflammation or just pain?

Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren (diclofenac) works by reducing inflammation in the body. When taken in oral form, it's used to treat pain related to such forms of arthritis as osteoarthrtis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The oral version of this drug is still available only by prescription.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on creakyjoints.org

Is Voltaren a good anti-inflammatory?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on voltaren.com.au

Does Voltaren hurt your liver?

3) Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cambia)

Any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) can cause liver injury, although it's very rare. This class of medications includes popular drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. But when it comes to liver injury, diclofenac is the NSAID with the highest risk.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com

Is Voltaren hard on the kidneys?

A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on arthritis.org

How often can you safely use Voltaren?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

Is Voltaren the same as Nurofen?

No, diclofenac and ibuprofen are not the same. Diclofenac is a prescription NSAID while ibuprofen can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription. Diclofenac is only prescribed for adults while ibuprofen can be used in children.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com

Do doctors recommend Voltaren?

A doctor may recommend trying Voltaren gel alone if you have mild to moderate arthritis pain, or using it in addition to oral medication for worse arthritis pain. Voltaren gel contains an NSAID medication that is similar to the pain drug ibuprofen.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com

What can replace Voltaren?

2) Pennsaid solution (diclofenac sodium 1.5%) is another topical treatment similar to Voltaren gel (also made by Endo) that is approved for the treatment of knee arthritis symptoms. The recommended dose is 40 drops per knee, four times a day.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com

What are the warnings for Voltaren?

Warnings. You should not use Voltaren if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Voltaren can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use diclofenac just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com

Is Voltaren stronger than Nurofen?

Voltaren is more potent than NSAIDs like ibuprofen and non-opioid painkillers like Tylenol. It is less potent than opioid medications like codeine and morphine. Voltaren has potential side effects such as headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com

Does Voltaren raise blood pressure?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com

How long does Voltaren stay in your system?

Diclofenac sodium (the medication in Voltaren gel) can stay in the body for nearly 3 weeks.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com

Why can you only take Voltaren for 21 days?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fda.gov

How does Voltaren work so fast?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on voltaren.co.za

Is Voltaren for muscles or joints?

Voltaren Emulgel can be used for the relief of body pain, inflammation and swelling in: Soft-tissue injuries: trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, due to sprains, strains, bruises and backache (e.g. in sports injuries); Localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism including tendonitis and bursitis.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on voltaren.com.au

Does Voltaren gel get into the bloodstream?

Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on detroitnews.com

When was Voltaren taken off the market?

Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium) is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication indicated for the temporary relief of joint pain due to osteoarthritis. On February 14, 2020 the FDA changed the status of Voltaren Gel 1% from prescription to non-prescription through a process called Rx-to-OTC switch.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com

How long does Voltaren take to reduce inflammation?

Diclofenac takes 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it as tablets or capsules. Suppositories take a few hours to work.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk