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 where 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).
Voltaren Gel is not approved for use in children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Voltaren Gel in children.
Off-Label Uses of Voltaren Gel
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Voltaren Gel for something other than treating
osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, or hands. At this time, using it to treat osteoarthritis of other areas of the body or to treat other
types of arthritis (such as
rheumatoid arthritis) or other painful conditions would be considered
off-label uses for the product.
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