Voltaren Gel

Voltaren Gel (also known as Voltaren Emulgel) is a novel topical treatment that contains the active ingredient diclofenac, an non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Voltaren Gel may be used topically to provide relief from the pain of osteoarthritis of joints such as the knees and those of the hands. While it hasn't been evaluated for its efficacy in the hip, spine or shoulder, studies back up its effectiveness in the joints of the knees and hands.

Voltaren Gel is formulated to work at the site of the pain for osteoarthritis joint pain relief.

When compared to 100% of the equivalent oral medication, when you apply Voltaren Gel, only 6% of the active ingredient is absorbed throughout the entire body. This means effective pain relief with a decreased incidence of side effects that are typically associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Voltaren.

The 6% absorption of the active ingredient in Voltaren Gel when applied topically was shown when the recommended dose of 4 g of Voltaren Gel is applied to 1 knee 4 times a day, compared to an oral dose of 50 mg taken 3 times a day.

For most effective relief, Voltaren Gel should be used as directed. Read package directions carefully.

Step 1: Remove dosing card from package

Step 2: Place card on flat surface. Squeeze out appropriate amount (2 g or 4 g) onto the dosing card

Step 3: Apply the gel directly to the joint. The dosing card may be used to apply directly to the joint

Step 4: Fold the used dosing card and dispose in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets

Step 5: Massage over the entire joint using your hands

Best results are obtained when Voltaren Gel is applied 4 times a day. Use as directed on package.

Voltaren Gel should not be used if you have a known hypersensitivity to diclofenac.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Voltaren Gel may cause the following:
- increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk. Check with your physician if this describes you.
- Voltaren Gel is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
- NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events

The most common adverse reactions reported in Voltaren Gel clinical trials were irritation at the site treated in 7% of treated patients.

With all NSAIDs there may be an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Voltaren Gel should not be administered in patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.

Voltaren Gel should not be used in combination with other oral NSAIDs or aspirin because of the potential for increased adverse effects. Similarly, combined use of Voltaren Gel with other topical products, such as sunscreens and cosmetics, on the same skin area has not been tested and should be avoided because of the potential to alter local tolerability and absorption.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.