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.

Is Voltaren gel safer than Voltaren tablets?

Now, new research suggests that topical NSAIDs (available by prescription in gel form) may pose less risk than the pills. Researchers tracked heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related problems in more than 46,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis over a nine-year period.

Does topical Voltaren get absorbed into the bloodstream?

Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?

Is oral diclofenac better than gel?

A pooled analysis of two studies directly comparing the safety of topical diclofenac with that of oral diclofenac in patients with knee OA found that the topical solutions resulted in fewer gastrointestinal events (25.4 vs. 39.0% of patients, P < 0.0001), especially dyspepsia (11.0 vs.

Best Topical Medicine for Pain

Which is better Voltaren tablets or gel?

The gel comes with less risk because it is put on and absorbed through your skin, while the oral form goes through your entire body (systemic). Before you use Voltaren in any form, you should tell your provider about any other medications or supplements you take.

What are the dangers of Voltaren gel?

Why can't you use Voltaren gel on your shoulder?

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. Voltaren is not appreciably absorbed into the blood, so all of its actions are local.

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.

Does topical Voltaren affect liver?

Liver damage

This can happen as early as within the first month of starting this medication. Your risk is higher if you use topical diclofenac with other medications that can also cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate).

Does Voltaren Gel affect the heart?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while using Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel.

Does topical Voltaren raise blood pressure?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure.

What is the difference between prescription Voltaren and over the counter Voltaren?

Is there any difference between the prescription version of Voltaren and the OTC version? No. The new OTC version of Voltaren gel will contain 1% of the active ingredient, diclofenac, which is the same strength that previously required a prescription.

Are topical NSAIDs safer than oral NSAIDs when treating musculoskeletal pain?

Topical NSAIDs are used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain because they are thought to be as effective as and have fewer adverse effects than oral NSAIDs.

Can you use Voltaren gel indefinitely?

Therefore, Voltaren can be used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent not only in short-term therapy but also in the long-term treatment of chronic diseases.

Can Voltaren Gel damage 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.

Does Voltaren Gel affect 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.

Why was Voltaren taken off the market?

A slew of studies, though, show diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — is just as likely to cause a heart attack as the discredited painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was pulled from the U.S. market in 2004.

What happens if you take Voltaren for too long?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may rarely increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time.

Why can't you put Voltaren on your hip?

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.

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.

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.

Who should not use Voltaren cream?

Why do doctors not prescribe diclofenac?

People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as diclofenac may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death.

Why are topical NSAIDs better than oral?

Conclusion: Overall, topical NSAIDs may be considered as comparable alternatives to oral NSAIDs and are associated with fewer serious adverse events (specifically GI reactions) when compared with oral NSAIDs.