How deep does Voltaren penetrate?

An aqueous solution of diclofenac has been shown to penetrate to a depth of around 3–4 mm into the underlying dermis and subcutaneous tissue56. Skin permeability and local tissue concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after topical application.


How much Voltaren is absorbed through the skin?

Absorption amounts to about 6% of the dose of diclofenac after topical application of 2.5 g Voltaren Emulgel per 500 cm2 skin, determined by reference to the total renal elimination compared with Voltaren tablets. Occlusion over a period of 10 hours leads to a three-fold increase in the amount of diclofenac absorbed.

Does topical Voltaren get into your bloodstream?

As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.


Does Voltaren gel penetrate skin?

Conclusions: After topical application, diclofenac can penetrate the skin and permeate to deeper tissues, where it reaches a concentration that appears to be sufficient to exert a therapeutic effect.

How long does it take Voltaren to absorb into your skin?

For Voltaren® 1% topical gel: After applying this medicine, do not shower, bathe, or wash the affected area for at least 1 hour. Wait for at least 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with gloves or clothing.


Voltaren Penetrates Deep to Treat Arthritis Pain at the Source



Should Voltaren be rubbed in?

Gently rub Voltaren into your skin using your hand. You should apply it 4 times a day for best results. Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time. Only apply Voltaren gel to clean, dry skin that doesn't have any cuts, open wounds, infections, or rashes.

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.

What happens if you use too much Voltaren gel?

Taking too much diclofenac sodium does not usually cause serious problems. The person may have some stomach pain and vomiting (possibly with blood). However, these symptoms will likely get better. In rare cases, a blood transfusion is needed.


What are the dangers of Voltaren gel?

Voltaren gel side effects may include:
  • skin irritation or itching where the gel was applied.
  • skin dryness, scaling, or redness.
  • skin pimples or cysts.
  • hives or swelling.
  • numbness and tingling.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • stomach pain.
  • upset stomach.


How long does it take diclofenac gel to absorb?

If you're using diclofenac gel, plasters or patches on your skin, it usually takes 1 to 2 days to work. For arthritis, you may need to use the gel for up to 7 days on the painful joint to feel the full effect.

Why can't you put 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.


Does Voltaren Gel go through 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.

How much topical diclofenac is absorbed?

The diclofenac absorption in the 1% concentration applied on the healthy skin reached 6 to 7% in healthy individuals. The diclofenac concentration was measured on plasma and tissue and synovial fluid after topical administration in the hands and knees joints.

Is Voltaren Gel hard on the 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.


How is topical diclofenac absorbed?

Topical diclofenac is absorbed through the skin and penetrates into subdermal tissues, including synovial tissue, to act directly at the site of pain and inflammation [17].

How long is Voltaren Gel in your system?

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

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.


Is topical Voltaren safer than oral Voltaren?

The level of drug entering the bloodstream is much lower than when the NSAID is taken by mouth. For example, topical NSAIDs reduce the systemic exposure by almost 90 percent. This minimizes the risk of harmful side effects.

Is topical Voltaren safer than oral?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER. Topical NSAIDs are associated with almost four times more local skin adverse events but about one-third fewer gastrointestinal adverse events than their oral counterparts in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain up to 12 weeks.

Does Voltaren Gel raise your blood pressure?

NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure, which may add to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There is a potential for elevation in liver function tests during treatment with diclofenac containing products.


What drugs interact with Voltaren Gel?

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, other products applied to treated skin, "water pills" ...

Does Voltaren make you high?

It is not possible to get high off of diclofenac or other NSAIDs, and abuse of the drug is likely to cause serious side effects.

Is biofreeze the same as Voltaren?

Biofreeze contains menthol, and like other menthol-containing products, it alleviates pain via counter-irritation, specifically cooling the surface of the skin. Voltaren instead treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.


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.

Why can you only use 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.