Voltaren

Voltaren is a prescription drug commonly used to treat pain, stiffness, and swelling often associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The medication works by blocking the effects of certain hormones that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Voltaren comes in tablet form, and is available in a variety of strengths, ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg.

 

What Is Voltaren?

Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium) belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by several types of arthritis.
 

Who Makes It?

Voltaren is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Voltaren Used For?

Voltaren uses include the relief of:
 
The medication is not a cure for these types of arthritis, however, nor does it slow down the progression of these diseases.
 
(Click Voltaren Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Voltaren and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
 

Effects of Voltaren

By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, Voltaren is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other diseases.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

General considerations for when and how to take Voltaren include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth.
 
  • Voltaren should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent stomach upset.
 
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
 
  • It may take several weeks for the full effects of Voltaren to be felt.
 
  • It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chance of serious side effects.
 
  • Voltaren should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
 
  • For Voltaren to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider recommends.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Voltaren your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Voltaren Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Voltaren

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Voltaren. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects include:
 
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Gas
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Ulcer in the stomach or intestines (peptic ulcer)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anemia
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling
  • Increase in liver enzymes
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Unexplained rash
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
     
(Click Voltaren Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Voltaren can have potentially negative interactions with a number of medicines (see Voltaren Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Voltaren?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using NSAIDs, including Voltaren, may be at higher risk for heart attack or stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. In addition, this risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without warning and can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or ever have had any of the following:
 
You should also talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you have:
 
  • Asthma
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicine that decreases the blood's ability to clot)
  • Diabetes
  • Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
  • Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAIDs.
     
In addition, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Voltaren and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Drink alcohol frequently
  • Smoke
  • Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Voltaren Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Voltaren may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
 
  • Bleeding
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Excessive sleepiness.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Voltaren Be Stored?

Voltaren should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Voltaren as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Voltaren tablets are available in several strengths, including
 
  • Voltaren 25 mg
  • Voltaren 50 mg
  • Voltaren 75 mg
  • Voltaren-XR® 100 mg.
     

Generic Voltaren

Voltaren and Voltaren-XR are both available in generic forms (see Generic Voltaren for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;