Voltaren Gel

Voltaren Gel Drug Information

What Is Voltaren Gel?

Voltaren^® Gel (diclofenac gel) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis, especially arthritis of the knees and hands (or other areas of the body that can be easily treated with a gel).

(Click What Is Voltaren Gel Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Voltaren Gel?

Voltaren Gel is made by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.

How Does Voltaren Gel Work?

Voltaren Gel belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Like other NSAIDs, it works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX) and blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body. However, because it works mostly were it is applied (only 6 percent of the medication actually reaches the rest of the body), Voltaren Gel helps to lower the exposure to the rest of the body (which may decrease the risk of dangerous side effects).

Clinical Effects of Voltaren Gel

This medication has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies compared Voltaren Gel to a placebo (a gel that does not contain any active ingredients). These studies demonstrated that Voltaren Gel was significantly better than the placebo for relieving arthritis pain of the knees and hands.

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations include the following:

Voltaren Gel is usually applied to the skin four times a day.
Apply the gel to clean, dry, unbroken skin. The skin should be free of cuts, infections, or rashes.
Do not apply a bandage or use a heating pad over the area of application.
Do not use lotions, cosmetics, insect repellants, or any other products on the skin where you apply the gel.
Voltaren Gel comes with special dosing cards used to help you accurately measure the dose. One card is used for each dose.
Wash your hands after applying the gel, unless you are treating your hands.
Wait 10 minutes before putting on any clothing over the area of application.
Do not shower, bathe, or swim for at least one hour after applying the gel.
For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Voltaren Gel will not work if you stop taking it.

Voltaren Gel Dosing Information

The dose your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

The area of the body being treated
Other medications you are taking
Other medical conditions you may have.

As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

(Click Voltaren Gel Dosage for more information.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, Voltaren Gel may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

In studies, skin reactions at the application site were the most common side effects of this medication.

(Click Voltaren Gel Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

Drug Interactions With Voltaren Gel

Even though it is a skin gel, Voltaren Gel can potentially interact with several other medications (see Voltaren Gel Drug Interactions).

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Voltaren Gel if you have:

Asthma
Heart disease, including congestive heart failure
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Liver disease or liver failure
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Bleeding problems (or are taking blood-thinning medication)
Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of these problems
Had recent open heart surgery
Any allergies, including allergies to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Voltaren Gel and Pregnancy)
Breastfeeding (see Voltaren Gel and Breastfeeding).

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Voltaren Gel Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)

Overdose Information

At this time, no overdoses with this medication have been reported. Serious effects are most likely to occur if an overdose of this medication is accidentally ingested by mouth, rather than applied to the skin.

(Click Voltaren Gel Overdose for more information.)

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Voltaren Gel?

If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage Information

Voltaren Gel should be stored at room temperature (be sure to avoid freezing it). Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets. After using a dosing card, fold it in half and dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.

Strengths Available

Voltaren Gel comes in one strength -- 1 percent (10 mg of diclofenac sodium per gram of gel).

Is There a Generic Version of Voltaren Gel?

Currently, Voltaren Gel is not available in generic form.

(Click Generic Voltaren Gel for more information.)