Question 1

What is Voltaren?

Accepted Answer

Voltaren is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. It works by reducing the production of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

By interfering with these chemical signals, the medication helps to manage the body's inflammatory response. This action helps to decrease swelling and alleviate physical discomfort.

Question 2

What is Voltaren used for?

Accepted Answer

Voltaren is used to treat osteoarthritis pain .

Question 3

How does Voltaren work?

Accepted Answer

How Voltaren Works

Voltaren belongs to a group of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of certain enzymes in the body known as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that the body creates in response to injury or illness. Prostaglandins play a key role in several bodily functions, including:

Triggering the sensation of pain

Causing inflammation and swelling

Increasing body temperature to cause a fever

By inhibiting these enzymes, Voltaren lowers the levels of prostaglandins. This reduction helps to ease pain and decrease the swelling and redness associated with inflammation. Depending on the form used, the medication may work throughout the entire body or be absorbed through the skin to target a specific area.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Voltaren?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Voltaren?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Voltaren may include:

abdominal pain

nausea

diarrhea

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Voltaren?

Accepted Answer

Voltaren belongs to the NSAID drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Voltaren and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Oral Tablets

Swallow Voltaren tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break them. To help prevent stomach upset, you may take the medication with food or milk, although this might slow down the absorption of the drug.

Topical Gel

Apply the gel to clean, dry skin that does not have any cuts, infections, or rashes. Use the dosing card provided with the medication to measure the correct amount. After application, wait for the gel to dry before covering the area with clothes. To ensure the medication works properly, follow these guidelines:

Do not wash or shower the treated area for at least one hour after application.

Do not apply external heat, such as heating pads, to the treated area.

Avoid exposing the treated skin to direct sunlight or tanning lamps.

Wash your hands after applying the gel, unless you are treating your hands.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

Question 8

Is Voltaren safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Using Voltaren during pregnancy requires careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider. Medical experts generally advise against using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later. Potential risks include:

Kidney problems: Use after 20 weeks may cause rare but serious kidney issues in the unborn baby, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.

Heart issues: Use starting at 30 weeks may cause the premature closure of a vital blood vessel in the baby's heart (the ductus arteriosus).

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with your doctor to determine the safest course of treatment.

Breastfeeding

It is not fully known how much diclofenac passes into human breast milk or how it might affect a nursing infant. Because many drugs are excreted in milk, caution is advised. Healthcare providers typically recommend weighing the necessity of the drug for the mother against the potential risks to the infant before using Voltaren while breastfeeding.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Voltaren come in?

Accepted Answer

Topical Gel

Voltaren is commonly available as a topical gel. This formulation is applied directly to the skin over joints affected by osteoarthritis, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet. The gel is designed to provide localized relief by penetrating the skin at the site of application.

Oral Tablets

The oral forms of this medication are designed to manage pain and inflammation throughout the body. These include:

Delayed-release tablets: These tablets are enteric-coated, which means they are designed to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine to help reduce stomach irritation.

Extended-release tablets: These are formulated to release the medication slowly into the bloodstream over a longer period, typically allowing for once-daily dosing.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Voltaren?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Voltaren (diclofenac) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the specific formulation, it is also indicated for ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and primary dysmenorrhea.

Boxed Warning

The FDA has issued a boxed warning for Voltaren due to the following risks associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

Cardiovascular Risk: Use may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is present for all NSAIDs and may increase with longer use or in patients with existing heart disease.

Gastrointestinal Risk: There is an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These conditions can be fatal and may occur at any time during treatment without warning.

Prescription and OTC Status

Voltaren is available in several regulated formats. While oral tablets and certain topical formulations remain prescription-only, the FDA approved a 1% diclofenac sodium topical gel for over-the-counter (OTC) use to treat arthritis pain in 2020.

Question 11

What should I know about Voltaren and gel?

Accepted Answer

Usage and Application

Voltaren gel is specifically indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in joints that are close to the skin surface. It is not intended for use on the shoulders, hips, or spine. To ensure the correct dose is applied, users should use the dosing card provided with the medication. The gel is typically applied four times daily to the affected joint.

Upper body joints (hands, wrists, elbows): Usually 2 grams of gel per application.

Lower body joints (knees, ankles, feet): Usually 4 grams of gel per application.

Application Instructions

After applying the gel, users should wash their hands unless the hands are the treated joint. If the gel is applied to the hands for pain, wait at least one hour before washing them. Avoid showering or bathing for at least one hour after application to ensure the medication is absorbed. Do not apply the gel to skin that is broken, infected, or has an open wound.

Safety Precautions

Because the medication is absorbed through the skin, it carries the same warnings as oral NSAIDs regarding serious cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, users should follow these skin-specific precautions:

Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate.

Avoid applying external heat, such as heating pads, to the treated joint.

Protect the treated skin from direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds, as the medication may increase sensitivity to UV light.

Do not use other topical products, such as sunscreens, lotions, or insect repellents, on the same area at the same time.

Common Side Effects

The most frequent side effects occur at the site of application and may include skin redness, itching, dryness, or a mild rash. If severe skin irritation or systemic symptoms like stomach pain or shortness of breath occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Voltaren

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Gel Information

FAQ

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