What is the difference between Voltaren gel and diclofenac gel?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain vs. Diclofenac: What's the difference? With a proven safety profile for 10+ years, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an effective topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) arthritis pain reliever. Diclofenac is the generic name for the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain.

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.

Where should you not use Voltaren Gel?

Gently rub Voltaren into the skin using your hand. You should apply it 4 times a day for best results. Only apply to clean, dry skin that doesn't have any cuts, open wounds, infections, or rashes. Do not apply in the same area as any other medicine or products applied to the skin.

What are the dangers of using Voltaren gel?

When should you not use diclofenac gel?

Do not apply to skin that has any cuts, open wounds, infections or rashes. Apply the gel to the directed skin areas, using the dosing card to help apply the gel to the skin to up to 2 body areas. Do not apply to more than 2 body areas. Use your hands to gently rub the gel into the skin.

New OTC Voltaren Gel Pain Reliever VS Advil/Motrin, Aleve Or Tylenol. Facts For Best Choice

Why can't you use Voltaren gel 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.

Can I use diclofenac gel every day?

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.

Is Voltaren the same as diclofenac?

Diclofenac is the generic name for the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain. Diclofenac is also available in oral formulations for a broader range of pain indications. Voltaren Arthritis Pain is made of a smooth, non-greasy formula that combines a gel and cream (Voltaren Emulgel™) for topical application.

What happens if you use too much diclofenac gel?

Diclofenac tablets and capsules can cause an ulcer in your stomach or gut if you take them for a long time or in big doses. There's also a small risk of heart failure or kidney failure if you take very big doses (150mg a day) for a long time. It's best to take the lowest dose that works for the shortest possible time.

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.

Can Voltaren Gel hurt your 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.

Who should not use diclofenac sodium topical gel?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Diclofenac topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Does diclofenac gel get into the bloodstream?

Although topical NSAIDs do get absorbed by the body, they are absorbed much less well than oral doses. Only 6% to 20% of the dose gets into the bloodstream, and there is definitely an effect locally.

Do you rub in diclofenac gel?

Apply diclofenac gel on clean, dry skin. Apply the gel to two joints only. For example, a hand and an elbow, a knee and an ankle or two knees. Use your hands to gently rub the gel into your skin.

Can Voltaren Gel raise 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 can't you put 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.

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.

What medications should not be taken with Voltaren?

Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...

Can I take Tylenol while using Voltaren gel?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Tylenol and Voltaren.

What is a good substitute for diclofenac?

Is diclofenac the strongest anti-inflammatory?

Among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, diclofenac at the maximum dose of 150 mg/day was found to be the most effective on disease-associated pain and physical disability, while paracetamol failed to show any efficacy, according to a network meta-analysis ...

How often can you use diclofenac gel?

Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.

Does diclofenac gel raise blood pressure?

High blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs. Topical diclofenac can raise your blood pressure, and it can also cause your body to hold onto more water. This can lead to new or worsen existing blood pressure problems, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs.

What is the prescription strength of diclofenac gel?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Diclofenac Sodium Gel, 3% is indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). Sun avoidance is indicated during therapy.

Is diclofenac gel hard on kidneys?

Diclofenac and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) cause the kidney to lose the capacity to make these protective hormones and over time, can result in progressive kidney damage. This damage may take years in some people but in others can occur after a single dose.