What is Voltaren Gel?

Voltaren Gel, also known as Voveran Emugel (internationally), is an topical medication made up of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac.

Voltaren Gel is prescribed to help with symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees and hands. This is a condition that occurs when the protective cushion, called cartilage, at the ends of your bones get worn down over time (or due to other factors).

Voltaren Gel (diclofenac) is effective at treating osteoarthritis of the knees and hands because it is an NSAID capable of reducing the substances in the body that create pain and inflammation.

Use Voltaren Gel exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not use more or less of a dose than directed too.

Before applying Voltaren Gel (diclofenac)

• Remove the cap and prime the pump as directed by the manufacturer
• Wash your hands

Applying Voltaren Gel (diclofenac)

• Apply the solution on clean, dry skin
• Spread the solution over the front, back, and sides of the knee

After applying Voltaren Gel (diclofenac)

• Wash your hands
• Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing the area
• Wait at least 30 minutes before you bathe or shower
• Wait until the area is dry before applying cosmetics, sunscreen, lotions, insect repellent, or other medicated skin products

Do not use Voltaren Gel (diclofenac)

Do not use Voltaren Gel if you are allergic to diclofenac or have ever had an allergic reaction to other NSAIDs such as Advil.

You should not use this product if you have recently had a heart bypass surgery.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke, have a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, liver or kidney disease, or fluid retention.

Risks

This medication can increase your risk of fatal heart attack and/or stroke. The risk is higher in those who use this medication long term, take high doses, or have heart disease. Although, those without any factors are still at risk for these complications when using diclofenac. This medication may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can sometimes be fatal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before using this medication.

Common side effects of Voltaren Gel (diclofenac) may include:

indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea, constipation; headache, dizziness, drowsiness; stuffy nose; itching, increased sweating; increased blood pressure; or. skin redness, itching, dryness, scaling, or peeling where the medicine was applied.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Voltaren Gel (diclofenac) may include:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your arms or legs.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

dangerously high blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, or a seizure.

low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or

severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

What is Voltaren gel used for?

This medical gel is generally used to treat joint pain. So what is Diclofenac and what is Diclofenac used for exactly? This specific pain is derived from arthritis that is usually found in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and the feet. Keep in mind that it may not be as effective for arthritis in other parts of the body. Once applied, this medication works by reducing the substances in your body that cause the pain and inflammation in the first place. On an international level, this medication goes by a different name which is Voveran Emugel. This medication comes in the singular strength of 1%. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.     

How long does it take for Voltaren gel to work?

This medication usually takes about 1 to 2 days for it to work. Although, for some it may take up to 7 days in order for any joint pain to diminish. If you are feeling that this medication is not working for you after the seventh day, you should speak with your doctor.

Where to buy Voltaren gel?

Medicare generally lists Voltaren gel as a Tier 2 mediation; this means it is a “non-preferred generic”. Most drugs on Tier 2 are a bit expensive. And while you can find this medication at your local pharmacy you can also find a more affordable option at an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center. We have a starting price of $29.00 for 56 grams.

How to apply Voltaren gel?

This medication is to be used on the skin only. The Voltaren gel will come with dosing card, which you should lay on a flat surface. Then squeeze an even line of the medication from the tube onto the dosing card, while using the marks on the card to measure out the correct dose that your doctor has prescribed. Then gently rub the medication into the affected joint. As to how often can you use Diclofenac gel? Usually this application is prescribed to be done four times a day. Just be sure not to apply this medication to any cuts, scrapes or bruises.  Afterwards, be sure to wash your hands.

What are the side effects of Voltaren gel?

Like many medications Voltaren gel does have some known reactions. So what are the side effects of Diclofenac? Some of the more common ones to this medication are as follows; nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, ulcers, itching, dryness, redness, scaling, numbness and tingling, cysts, pimples or other skin irritations where the medication has been applied. Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Who makes Voltaren gel?

GlaxoSmithKline is a British multinational pharmaceutical company that makes various medications that includes Voltaren Gel. They were established in the year 2000 in Brentford, England.

What is the generic for Voltaren?

Diclofenac is the generic name of Voltaren Gel.  It belongs to class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is generally used to fight against arthritis.