World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News Diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — raises the risk of a heart attack by about 40 percent.
In Denmark, diclofenac is only available on prescription but in Australia Voltaren is sold over the counter. Clinical pharmacologist Professor David Henry is the chief executive of the Toronto-based Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Adjunct Professor at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales.
Is Voltaren Gel Available Over-the-Counter? Yes, Here's Everything You Should Know. Key takeaways: Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel (diclofenac sodium 1%) is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Downsides
Water retention, headache, constipation, and nausea. Stomach-related side effects such as indigestion, belching, heartburn, and bleeding. People of older age, taking other medicines that affect the stomach, or who drink more than 3 glasses of alcohol per day may be more at risk.
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.
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.
Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.
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.
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.
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.
ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) naproxen (such as Naprosyn)
Both Aspercreme and Voltaren gel can be effective choices to relieve arthritis pain in adults. These OTC topical medications may be a better alternative if you can't take oral pain relievers, like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications are considered safe for most people when used as instructed.
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.
Voltaren gel is safe to apply to the skin and is for external use only. It can be applied to clean, dry skin but shouldn't be used in areas where there are cuts, infections, or rashes. Voltaren gel shouldn't be used in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Studies have found diclofenac to be more effective than other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, and naproxen in reducing pain. Researchers also concluded it was more effective than paracetamol (Tylenol), a non-opioid painkiller.
Some medications have black box warnings to show that they have a high risk for serious side effects. Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren gel can cause serious side effects and they can come on without warning. Your risk might be higher if you've been taking NSAIDs for a long time or at high doses.
Why can't I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for shoulders, hips, etc.? Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.
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.
Here is what I get from all of it – Yes, Voltaren is an NSAID, so it carries some of the same risks as if it was taken internally. However, used topically, a LOT LESS or the drug makes its way into the bloodstream and organs than when taken orally, thus it is considered safer.
This includes: aspirin (also called ASA or acetylsalicylic acid) • other salicylates • other forms of Voltaren • any other NSAID medicine If you take these medicines together with Voltaren, they may cause unwanted effects. If you need to take something for headache or fever, it is usually okay to take paracetamol.
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.
The use of this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication has been shown in scientific studies to accelerate the articular cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. The use of this product poses a significant risk in accelerating osteoarthritis joint breakdown.
1. FATTY FISH. Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna give you protein and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These components reduce inflammation in the body.
Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.