What Is Voltaren Gel Otc Used For
Previously available only as an oral medication, diclofenac is now available in topical gel form under the brand name Voltaren gel OTC. As with NSAIDs you take by mouth, Voltaren gel treats the , stiffness and swelling caused by . 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 in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
A Move Away From Oral Painkillers
People with back pain are usually told by their health care practitioners to take analgesic medications to relieve their pain.
Out of date Australian guidelines for managing back pain recommend paracetamol as first choice analgesic, NSAIDs as second, and oral opioids as the third line medicines. Paracetamol is still the most purchased over-the-counter painkiller in Australia, but weve shown it to be ineffective for back pain.
The UK 2017 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines now no longer recommend paracetamol as a stand-alone intervention for back pain. In the UK, NSAIDs are recommended as the analgesic of first choice for back pain, and opioids as second.
However in research published last week, we show NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac offer only marginal relief from back pain compared to a placebo . Only one in six patients treated with NSAIDs achieved any significant reduction in pain.
We also found people taking NSAIDs are more than twice as likely to experience vomiting, nausea, stomach ulcers or bleeding compared to those taking placebo.
The study raises the question of whether the benefits of NSAIDs outweigh the risk of side effects offered by these drugs.
These results were obtained by reviewing 35 studies of 6,065 people with various types of spinal pain, including lower back pain, neck pain and sciatica .
Serious Side Effects Of Voltaren Gel Are Scary
Many people, including some health professionals, believe that the skin is a great barrier to topical drugs. They assume that only a little bit of the medicine gets into the blood stream. We have learned, however, that the skin is not such a great blocker of medicines. FDA-sponsored research has demonstrated that sunscreen ingredients get into the body in surprisingly high concentrations. This reader experienced the side effects of Voltaren Gel.
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How Does Voltaren Work
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Show Transcript
Text: Introducing Voltaren Arthritis PainVO: When you have arthritis pain, you need relief where it hurts.VO: Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is the first full prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel now available over the counter.Text: First full prescription strengthVO: Voltaren targets pain directly at the source for powerful arthritis pain relief.VO: VoltarenVO: The joy of movementText: The joy of movement
What Is Voltaren Emulgel
Voltaren, available over-the-counter, contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ingredient called diclofenac diethylamine. Diclofenac diethylamine works to inhibit prostaglandin production in the body that cause pain and inflammation. By reducing their effects, diclofenac diethylamine helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.¹
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Other Uses Of Diclofenac Gel
âStrong evidence supports the use of topical diclofenac in the treatment of acute pain due to sprains and strains . Diclofenac Emulgel and diclofenac Flector plasters are particularly effective for this use case.
Diclofenac gel has also been shown to relieve sharp neck pain . In one study, subjects with intense neck pain used diclofenac diethylamine 1.16% gel. Subjects reported that the gel quickly reduced neck pain and improved neck function.
Achilles tendinopathy , an injury of the Achilles tendon in the heel, can be treated with topical diclofenac . In a pilot study, topical diclofenac gel substantially reduced chronic CAT pain when subjects were at rest and when they applied pressure to their Achilles. There were no adverse reactions.
Diclofenac gel is also useful for treating Actinic Keratosis, especially as part of the Solaraze preparation . Solaraze works by starving out cells called dysplastic keratinocytes, while causing programmed cell death . This clears lesions while generating little to no inflammation as a by-product.
Summary
Diclofenac gel helps alleviate several kinds of musculoskeletal pain and carries fewer side effects other NSAID medications.
How Is The Topical Form Different Than Taking An Nsaid Pill Like Ibuprofen
When you swallow a pill, it must travel through your digestive tract and through your bloodstream before it can reach the intended target, such as a painful joint. A topical treatment, such as Voltaren gel, is applied to the skin near the area thats causing arthritis symptoms like pain and stiffness.
Voltaren gel works locally, as opposed to systemically, which helps reduce the sometimes problematic side effects associated with oral NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal and/or kidney problems, says Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine physician with UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
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Dulc Natural Arnica Gel Cream Extra Strength
The very high concentration of Arnica montana extracts makes our Arnica gel cream ideal for massages dedicated to bruise, swelling and discomfort in muscles and joints. Enriched with essential oils of mint and eucalyptus, which refresh the area for a long time giving topical relief. atural formula, suitable even for the most sensitive skin of babies. Salve without parabens, without mineral oils, without silicones
Made in Italy.
Dermatologically tested and have a natural formulation
Best for muscle pain relief
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Ratings
Dulac Natural Arnica Gel Cream Reviews
Like most arnica preparations, this product works on muscle pain. I have arm pain form taking statins. The pain melts away with arnica, and I love an expensive spray I found. that lasts about four hours. That one is convenient, but this one lasts longer. Although it claims to be a gel, it is a cream and scented with peppermint. But the fragrance doesnt linger.
Feel The Joy Of Movement
An alternative to pills, Voltaren helps you take on your day by targeting pain directly at the source to deliver clinically-proven nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. Discover powerful arthritis pain relief with a proven safety profile.
Where to Buy Voltaren Gel
Available in stores and online at major retailers nationwide.
BUY NOW
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Is Voltaren A Painkiller
Voltaren is not an opiate-based pain killer such as oxycodone or Percocet. It works by decreasing substances in the body that directly cause joint pain and inflammation. Voltaren, also known as Diclofenac, is very similar to Ibuprofen. Furthermore, both Voltaren and Ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, and both drugs are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
Effective Relief Of Pain And Reduction Of Inflammation13
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with acute neck pain, Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief Gel delivered significantly greater reduction in pain-on-movement and pain-at-rest over three times that of placebo. Additionally, recovery time* was about twice as fast as placebo.1
*Recovery time was defined as a clinically relevant decrease in pain plus an increase in neck function.72 patients with acute neck pain received 2 g Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel four times daily or placebo for 5 days.
Product Information can be found at the bottom of the page
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No Mess Applicator On 100g Pack: Overcoming Barriers To Pain Relief Without The Mess
Over a quarter of patients say that physical contact with the gel* stops them using a topical analgesic.14
The NoMess applicator allows patients to get Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel directly to the point of pain,1,4,5 while keeping hands and fingers clean.
The power of topical pain relief recommendation is in your hands and not on your patients hands.
*Or odour.
When Muscular Skeletal Body Pain Stops You From Moving Freely Life Loses Some Of Its Joy
Did you know that 86% of people around the world experience body pain?* Pain is more than an unpleasant sensation. It limits your capabilities and abilities to follow your daily routine and do the things you enjoy. Trusted Voltaren remedies can help relieve the pain and get you back to the movement you love.
Find a market-specific brand site
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Efficacy In Musculoskeletal Disease
The features of ten trials studying the efficacy of topical diclofenac treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee are presented in . All of the studies are double blind, randomized trials with their treatment arm consisting of several formulations of topical diclofenac, either as a patch, solution or gel .
Helping You Rediscover The Joy Of Movement
The impact of pain on people around the world
The GSK Global Pain Index is an in-depth global study into physical pain and its impact on peoples lives. Earlier this year, we launched our fourth index which analysed attitudes to pain in 19,000 individuals across 19 countries. The results suggest that pain remains a problem for over 93% of adults worldwide with 27% of people suffering from body pain every day. 33% individuals do not know the cause of their most recent pain and 66% of sufferers delay seeking immediate relief for their body pain. This latest index also sheds interesting insights into the evolution of pain alongside modern lifestyles as 52% of Gen Z and Millennials experience neck/shoulder pains due to their increased use of screens and smartphones.**
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What Is Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is when you feel the pain in the part of your back between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs.² The pain may be a dull, constant ache or a sudden, sharp pain that makes it difficult to move around.³ You might find that the pain is worse in the morning compared to at night, and it may ease, or get worse, when you move into different positions. Lower back pain may be acute, where your symptoms last less than three months, or it can become chronic if they last longer than this.
Factors Influencing The Effectiveness Of Anti
- Concentration The concentration of anti-inflammatory medication in the gel/cream obviously has a strong bearing on how much is absorbed by the tissues. Voltaren has recently released their voltaren gel osteo 12 hourly product, which has twice the concentration of diclofenec compared to their standard product.
- Formula The formulation is crucial for skin penetration. Without getting into too much detail, gel is more effective than cream.
- Blood Flow If blood flow to the area is increased due to exercise, a heat pack, a hot shower, massage, etc there is a better chance of the medication being absorbed.
- Wraps Sports Doctors often recommend wrapping the affected area in glad wrap after applying the anti inflammatory gel to increase the time the gel has to penetrate the skin before being rubbed off or evaporating.
- Massage Dont forget about the beneficial effects of massage including pain relief and increased blood flow. Some believe that the beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory creams can be attributed in full to the massage and not the actual cream/gel. However research has proven that anti-inflammatory gels and creams provide significantly more pain relief than placebo gels and creams when massaged into the affected area.
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What About Other Common Pain Problems Could It Help Low Back Pain Neck Pain And Muscle Pain
A lot of people who read this are going to want to try it on their low back pain, neck pain, and/or other kinds of muscle pain. Will it work? The only honest answer is, Who knows? I have no clinical experience with this yet, and certainly its unstudied. It might be worth trying, in moderation, with the full awareness that theres every possibility that it could be a waste of time and money.
Heres why it probably wont work
Low back pain and neck pain often involve a substantial amount of muscle pain,29 and muscle pain is not particularly inflammatory by nature. Muscle knots are more like poisoned muscle than injured muscle. Although theres some anecdotal evidence that taking an anti-inflammatory medication reduces muscle pain, mostly it doesnt seem to work very well. One of the classic signs of low back pain powered by muscle, for instance, is that ibuprofen doesnt have much effect on it.
A topical NSAID gel isnt likely to either.
Also, many painful factors in neck, back and muscle pain are deep inside the body probably much deeper than Voltaren® Gel can reach. For instance, if your low back pain is coming from the facet joints small joints deep in the spine, under a thick layer of muscle chances are that a topical treatment simply doesnt stand a chance of having an effect.
Taking Diclofenac With Other Painkillers
It’s safe to take diclofenac with paracetamol or codeine.
Do not take diclofenac with similar painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, without talking to a doctor.
Diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen all belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . Taking diclofenac together with other NSAIDs may increase your chances of getting side effects like a stomach ache.
NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies.
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Warning Disclaimer Use For Publication
WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.
DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk.
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Where Can You Buy Voltaren Gel
You can find Voltaren gel for arthritis pain in the pharmacy section of your local grocery store, usually in the aisle that sells pain relief medication and products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Voltaren gel as an OTC pain-reliever in 2020. It has been available in prescription strength since 2007. You still need a prescription to purchase Voltaren tablets and other forms of this product.
You can buy Voltaren gel online from many of the retailers you might shop at in-person as well as directly from the Voltaren website.
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Wheres The Fire Treating Inflammation May Be A Bad Premise In Many Cases
Are you sure that youre actually inflamed? Dont answer too quickly.
One concern about the use of products like Voltaren is that several conditions may be less inflammatory in nature than they seem like. Patients usually assume that the burning pain of repetitive strain injuries like tendinitis is caused by inflammation. Seems reasonable.
But classic, acute inflammation is almost entirely absent, especially after initial flare-ups have died down .
While it is extremely likely that tendinitis is still inflamed in some sense,18 its somewhat doubtful that they are inflamed in a way that NSAIDs are actually good for. The biochemistry of cranky tendons is very here be dragons on the map of biology large and unexplored. Theres probably some overlap between the biology of acute, classic inflammation and the subtler biology of chronic tendinitis, but no one really knows.
So the value of Voltaren for tendinitis is simply unclear. You can read about this in much greater detail in my RSI article: Repetitive Strain Injuries Tutorial: Five surprising and important facts about repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or iliotibial band syndrome
What Do The Skeptics Say
Many readers assume that skeptics will always favour mainstream and pharmaceutical treatments like Voltaren, but nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, some skeptics are leading the charge against bad pharmaceutical industry science and practices .
Pharmacist Scott Gavura of Science-Based Pharmacy was certainly skeptical about topical NSAIDs like Voltaren when he first tackled the topic early in 2011.17 When I recently noticed a topical NSAID appear for sale as an over-the-counter treatment for muscle aches and pains I was confident it would make a good case study in bad science.
He was surprised, however, and he changed his mind when he read the evidence. Having worked with Scott as an editor, I know he cant be persuaded by anything less than robust evidence. On a few occasions, Scott has proven himself to be even harder to impress than I am . He concludes:
Over the past two decades, evidence has emerged to demonstrate that topical versions of NSAIDs are well absorbed through the skin and reach therapeutic levels in synovial fluid, muscle, and fascia.
For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, the data are of fair quality and are persuasive. On balance, theres good evidence to show that topical NSAIDs are clinically- and cost-effective for short term use, especially when pain is localized.
Nothings perfect, however, and some concerns about Voltaren are covered below.
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How Should Voltaren Gel Be Taken
The proper amount of Voltaren® Gel should be measuredusing the dosing card supplied in the drug product carton. The dosing card ismade of clear polypropylene. The dosing card should be used for eachapplication of drug product. The gel should be applied within the rectangulararea of the dosing card up to the 2 gram or 4 gram line . The 2 g line is 2.25inches long. The 4 g line is 4.5 inches long. The dosing card containingVoltaren® Gel can be used to apply the gel. The hands should then be used togently rub the gel into the skin. After using the dosing card, hold withfingertips, rinse, and dry. If treatment site is the hands, patients shouldwait at least one hour to wash their hands.
Lower Extremities, Including The Feet, Ankles, Or Knees
Apply the gel to the affected foot, ankle, or knee4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuringapplication to the entire affected foot, or knee or ankle. The entire footincludes the sole, top of the foot and the toes. Do not apply more than 16 gdaily to any single joint of the lower extremities.
Upper Extremities Including The Hands, Wrists, Or Elbows
Apply the gel to the affected hand, wrist, or elbow4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuringapplication to the entire affected hand, wrist, or elbow. The entire handincludes the palm, back of the hands, and the fingers. Do not apply more than 8g daily to any single joint of the upper extremities.
Special Precautions
