Voltaren Uses

Typical uses for Voltaren include the relief of pain and inflammation that accompanies osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Off-label uses of the drug include treating symptoms of gout, fibromyalgia, and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is important to note that while Voltaren can provide relief from the symptoms of these conditions, it does not cure them or slow down their progression.

Voltaren Drug

What Is Voltaren Used For?

Voltaren^® (diclofenac sodium) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.

(The information in this article applies only to the tablet forms of this medication -- Voltaren and Voltaren-XR. This article does not apply to Voltaren^® Gel or Voltaren Ophthalmic^® eye drops.)

Specific uses for Voltaren include the relief of:

Osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Short-term and long-term symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

However, Voltaren is not a cure for these types of arthritis, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease. While regular Voltaren tablets are approved for all three uses, Voltaren-XR tablets are approved only for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Does Voltaren Work?

Voltaren and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work by inhibiting the production of certain substances, called prostaglandins, that cause inflammation and pain in the body. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, Voltaren is useful at alleviating pain and inflammation and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis.

(Voltaren Uses Continued: Page 2)