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Voltaren is a medicated gel that you can apply to the skin for relief from muscle and joint pain. It may take multiple days of application for significant pain relief.
If you have arthritis joint pain, you know that using a medicated gel such as Voltaren directly over the achy area can help. Like other topical gels, creams, and lotions for painful joints and muscles, Voltaren gel for arthritis is applied onto the skin for soothing relief.
This pain-relief gel is available over the counter, meaning you won’t need a prescription from a doctor to buy it. But it’s important to remember that Voltaren contains active medicated ingredients and may not be everyone. Here’s more on using Voltaren gel for the temporary relief of arthritis joint pain.
Voltaren is the brand name for a topical pain relief gel for arthritis pain that contains the medication diclofenac sodium, its active ingredient. You might find similar gels for joint pain by the generic name of “diclofenac gel” or “diclofenac sodium gel.”
However, they may not have the exact same ingredients or amounts of diclofenac as Voltaren gel. Over-the-counter (OTC) Voltaren gel for arthritis pain contains a 1% concentration of diclofenac sodium.
Pros
- available over the counter
- FDA-approved, OTC pain reliever
- topical gel may be the best option for people who do not want to take pills
Cons
- many side effects
- not for use on actinic keratosis, a skin condition
- may take up to 7 days to feel any significant relief
Voltaren gel is used topically on the skin to provide temporary relief of joint pain. This pain remedy is recommended for treating pain and tenderness from the most common type of arthritis: osteoarthritis in the knees, hands, and other joints. Voltaren pain-relieving gel may also be used to help ease aching joints due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Voltaren gel and other pain-relieving gels and creams may be a good option if you prefer to take less pain medication by mouth such as oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In higher doses, diclofenac gel is also used to treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis.
However, Voltaren gel for arthritis pain does not contain a high enough concentration of the active ingredient diclofenac to be used for this condition.
A doctor may recommend trying Voltaren gel alone if you have mild to moderate arthritis pain, or using it in addition to oral medication for worse arthritis pain.
Voltaren gel contains an NSAID medication that is similar to the pain drug ibuprofen. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation and works best on small joints. Voltaren topical gel is not for immediate relief and may take up to 7 days to work.
Voltaren gel for arthritis and other types of diclofenac gel may help to provide some relief for joint pain. However, it might depend on how severe your arthritis pain is.
A
How well a topical gel such as Voltaren works may also depend on how much of the pain-relieving medication diclofenac sodium it contains.
A research trial from 2020 on how well a topical gel with 3.06% of diclofenac worked to ease pain due to osteoarthritis in the knee reported that the gel worked better than a placebo gel with no diclofenac at all. People in the study applied the gel twice a day for 4 weeks.
Voltaren gel for arthritis pain that is available OTC contains 1% diclofenac. You may need a prescription to get topical gels with a higher percentage of this pain medicine.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare owns the rights to Voltaren Gel. GSK does not have a Better Business Bureau profile.
GSK’s Trustpilot rating is 2.7 out of 5 stars with about 20 customer reviews. One customer says that the company has “lousy and not honest client service!” Notably, the user reviews don’t mention Voltaren gel specifically.
User reviews about the actual Voltaren gel product tell a different story. On the Voltaren gel website, about 315 users rate the product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Further, 93% of users would recommend Voltaren gel to a friend. One user says, “great to have a local NSAID [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] approach that alleviates pain without risking side effects of oral NSAIDs.”
On the other hand, another user notes that the product can be difficult to squeeze out of the tube: “I really love Voltaren. What I don’t like is the tube it’s in, I have arthritis in my hands and the tube is hard to squeeze. It would be much better in a jar of some sort.”
On Amazon, Voltaren gel also has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating and over 40,000 reviews.
Customer service is available on weekdays between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST by phone at 1-855-297-3031 or by email at Consumer.Communications@gsk.com.
I spoke to several customer service agents over the course of a few days and was usually connected to a helpful agent within a few minutes. Furthermore, customer service replied to my email requests within 1 to 2 business days.
Even OTC pain-relieving gels and other medications have powerful active ingredients and can cause side effects. Other ingredients such as perfumes and alcohol may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Use Voltaren gel for arthritis exactly as directed. Ask your doctor before you use Voltaren gel for off-label use (something for which it is not recommended).
Voltaren gel side effects may include:
- skin irritation or itching where the gel was applied
- skin dryness, scaling, or redness
- skin pimples or cysts
- hives or swelling
- numbness and tingling
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- upset stomach
- diarrhea and bloating
When not to use Voltaren gel
- Experiencing side effects: If you experience any of the side effects listed above or other side effects, stop using Voltaren gel immediately. Speak to a health professional if you have serious side effects or if side effects don’t go away after you stop using this medicated gel.
- During pregnancy or nursing: Do not use Voltaren gel for arthritis if you are pregnant or nursing.
- With heart disease: A research
study also reported that you shouldn’t use diclofenac if you have a history of cardiovascular (heart) disease.- With severe kidney disease: Discuss with your physician prior to using Voltaren gel.
Voltaren gel may provide temporary relief from your arthritis joint pain, but there are potential risks and side effects. Talk with your doctor before trying Voltaren gel.
“Persons with a history of osteoarthritis should always discuss use of planned over-the-counter therapies with their doctor before initiating use.
“Persons who have knee or hand pain that is unrelated to arthritis should have the pain assessed first before self-treating to ensure that something more significant is not occurring and that the pain is something that can appropriately be treated with an over-the-counter therapy without causing further injury,” says Cathi Dennehy, PharmD, health sciences clinical professor of pharmacy, UCSF School of Pharmacy.
For some people, NSAIDs like Voltaren gel should be avoided altogether.
“NSAIDs topical or oral should be avoided; however, in patients with a history of significant stomach upset (ulcers, stomach bleeding), history of coronary artery bypass surgery, recent heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, reduced kidney or liver function, or taking blood thinning medication,” says Dennehy.
If you plan to try Voltaren gel for pain relief, talk with your doctor first about the best options.
You can find Voltaren gel for arthritis pain in the pharmacy section of your local grocery store, usually in the aisle that sells pain relief medication and products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Voltaren gel as an OTC pain reliever in 2020. It has been available in prescription strength since 2007. You still need a prescription to purchase Voltaren tablets and other forms of this product.
You can buy Voltaren gel online from many of the retailers you might shop at in-person as well as directly from the Voltaren website.
Is Voltaren gel available OTC in Canada?
You can also find Voltaren pain relief gel in pharmacies and drugstores in Canada under the same name and another version called Voltaren Emugel that has slightly different doses of diclofenac sodium and other ingredients.
In some provinces, it may be behind the counter, and you will have to ask a pharmacist for it, even though you do not need a prescription to purchase.
What are alternatives to Voltaren gel?
(Video) How to Use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
What are alternatives to Voltaren gel?
There is a variety of topical pain medication gels and other products that you can purchase OTC. Some of these contain varying percentages of diclofenac sodium, the active ingredient in Voltaren gel for arthritis pain. Others contain different pain drugs including numbing medications.
Topical OTC analgesic products include:
- Blue Stop gel
- Tiger Balm
- lidocaine patches, which include OTC brands like Icy Hot and Walgreens, as well as prescription versions like Lidoderm and Dermalid
- Icy Hot
| Product | Price | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Stop gel | about $17–$25 | gel |
| Tiger Balm | about $3–$25 | variety (from gels and ointments to patches and sprays) |
| lidocaine patches | about $10 | patch |
| Icy Hot | about $6–$24 | variety (from balms and foam to patches and sprays) |
What is Voltaren gel used to treat?
You may use Voltaren gel to temporarily relieve arthritis joint pain.
Where shouldn’t you use Voltaren gel?
Don’t use Voltaren gel on your back, hips, or shoulders. According to the National Library of Medicine, Voltaren gel hasn’t been studied for use on the hips, shoulders, or spine.
Additionally, don’t apply Voltaren gel to any open wounds or your eyes.
Why can’t I use Voltaren gel on my back?
Since Voltaren gel hasn’t been assessed for use on the back, it isn’t approved for the relief of any back pain, including muscle pain.
How long does it take for Voltaren gel to work?
It can take up to 7 days to work. Voltaren gel isn’t recommended for immediate relief of arthritis joint pain.
Is Voltaren gel dangerous?
It is possible. According to the National Library of Medicine, NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and bleeding and ulceration of the stomach. Further, diclofenac (the active ingredient in Voltaren gel) may cause potentially fatal skin adverse reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
Voltaren gel for arthritis pain contains 1% of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium and is available over the counter in most pharmacies. It can help soothe pain and tenderness when applied to the skin over small joints.
Voltaren may not work for everyone. Talk with a doctor before using Voltaren for your arthritis pain. If Voltaren gel doesn’t work for you, or if you experience side effects, stop using it and speak with a doctor. You may need other prescription pain medications to manage your arthritis joint pain.
FAQs
Who should not use Voltaren gel? ›
For example, you should not use Voltaren: If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke. If you have allergies to this drug or other pain or fever aids such as aspirin. Before or after heart surgery4.
How long can you safely use Voltaren gel? ›How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.
What is Voltaren gel used for? ›Voltaren Gel® is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats joint pain caused by arthritis. The medication in Voltaren Gel is diclofenac. It works by decreasing inflammation.
Does Voltaren gel raise blood pressure? ›NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure, which may add to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There is a potential for elevation in liver function tests during treatment with diclofenac containing products.
Does Voltaren gel affect the heart? ›This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease or in people who use this medicine for a long time. This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels. These problems can happen without warning signs.
Why is Voltaren not recommended for people over 65? ›Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.
Why was Voltaren taken off the market? ›A slew of studies, though, show diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — is just as likely to cause a heart attack as the discredited painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was pulled from the U.S. market in 2004.
What is a safe alternative to Voltaren gel? ›Voltaren gel's active ingredient is diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps lower inflammation (swelling) around the area where you apply it. Aspercreme and Volteran gel are both available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics.
Does Voltaren gel get into the bloodstream? ›Voltaren gel works directly where you apply it with little absorption to the bloodstream. This makes it a safer alternative to oral diclofenac for older adults and people with stomach problems.
How many times a day can you apply Voltaren gel? ›For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 2 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 8 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
Is it safe to use Voltaren every day? ›
Our study would indicate that Voltaren is a safe drug which has no effect on the organs of haemopoiesis, nor on hepatic or renal function, even in long-term therapy.
What kind of pain is Voltaren good for? ›Voltaren is a brand name for diclofenac. It belongs to a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People use Voltaren to relieve pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Can I take Tylenol while using Voltaren gel? ›Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Tylenol and Voltaren.
A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.
Why can't you use Voltaren on your shoulder? ›It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.
Can Voltaren cause blood clots? ›Heart problems: Like other NSAID medications, diclofenac may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, which may be fatal. The risk is greater with higher total daily doses and taking the medication for a long period of time.
Does Voltaren affect blood pressure medication? ›It's best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking diclofenac with blood pressure medications. NSAIDs, like diclofenac, can raise your blood pressure. This can make it harder for blood pressure medications to work effectively, especially if you take diclofenac regularly.
Is Voltaren Gel hard on the liver? ›Therapy with diclofenac in full doses is frequently associated with mild serum aminotransferase elevations and, in rare instances, can lead to serious clinically apparent, acute or chronic liver disease.
Can you use Voltaren if you have high blood pressure? ›For most people, taking diclofenac is safe. However, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, your kidneys do not work very well or you smoke, you should check with your healthcare professional that this medicine is appropriate. Use the lowest dose that works for you and stop as soon as you can.
Is Voltaren hard on the heart? ›Yes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — medications commonly used to treat pain and inflammation — can increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke. This increase in risk affects people who already have heart disease and those who don't.
What is the safest anti-inflammatory? ›
...
This class of medications includes:
- Aspirin (full dose)
- Celecoxib (used in Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (used in Votaren)
- Ibuprofen (used in Advil or Motrin)
- Naproxen (used in Aleve)
Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot.
Is there a lawsuit against Voltaren? ›GSK and Novartis to pay $4.5 million in penalties over Voltaren Osteo Gel claims. The Federal Court has ordered that the makers of pain relief product Voltaren Osteo Gel pay $4.5 million in penalties for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.
Can you just stop taking Voltaren? ›No, diclofenac is not addictive, but it's important to always take it as prescribed. What will happen if I stop taking it? When you stop taking diclofenac tablets or capsules, or stop using the suppositories, the effects will wear off after about 15 hours.
What cream is better than Voltaren? ›Lidocaine is an anesthetic and works by blocking nerve conduction to numb the feeling of pain. This makes the lidocaine versions of Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay better for nerve pain than Voltaren.
Is biofreeze the same as Voltaren? ›Biofreeze contains menthol, and like other menthol-containing products, it alleviates pain via counter-irritation, specifically cooling the surface of the skin. Voltaren instead treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.
What parts of the body can you use Voltaren gel? ›What areas of the body should Voltaren be applied to? Voltaren helps alleviate joint pain due to arthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Apply Voltaren gel to the skin over the affected part of the body. Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time.
How long does it take for Voltaren gel to work? ›How long does Voltaren gel take to relieve pain? It doesn't take long for Voltaren to get to work. For neck pain relief, for instance, a study shows that Voltaren reduces the pain felt upon movement, after just one hour of application; and that it cuts pain in half within 24 hours.
Why can't you use Voltaren gel on your back? ›It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
Which Voltaren is best for arthritis? ›Voltaren gel, which is the form that is applied topically (to the skin), is most useful for osteoarthritis of the knees and hands.
What happens if you use too much Voltaren gel? ›
Taking too much diclofenac sodium does not usually cause serious problems. The person may have some stomach pain and vomiting (possibly with blood). However, these symptoms will likely get better. In rare cases, a blood transfusion is needed.
Does Voltaren work for muscle pain? ›Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as muscle pain. Sports injuries and strains due to overuse are the most common causes of muscle pain.
Where should you not use Voltaren? ›Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
Is it better to take Voltaren or ibuprofen? ›Researchers have found that: Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients. 1. There is an increased risk of liver damage with the use of Voltaren as compared to other NSAIDs.
What vitamins are good for arthritis in the hands? ›Vitamins D and K are both important for bone strength, and vitamin K is involved in cartilage structure. Supplementing these two nutrients may be helpful if you're deficient in them. When you take supplements as directed and under your doctor's supervision, they're generally safe.
Who Cannot use Voltaren? ›- If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke.
- If you have allergies to this drug or other pain or fever aids such as aspirin.
- Before or after heart surgery4.
Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...
Can you use a heating pad with Voltaren gel? ›Apply VOLTAREN GEL to clean, dry skin that does not have any cuts, infections or rashes. Do not use heating pads or apply bandages where you have applied VOLTAREN GEL.
What happens if I use too much Voltaren gel? ›Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing.
Does Voltaren gel get absorbed into the bloodstream? ›Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?
Why can't you put Voltaren on your back? ›
It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
How many times a day can you use Voltaren Gel? ›For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 2 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 8 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
What can I use instead of Voltaren? ›Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay may all be used to treat minor joint pain, backaches, muscle soreness, strains, sprains, bruises, and nerve pain (in the case of their lidocaine products). In contrast, Voltaren is used to specifically treat joint pain on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.
What can I take instead of Voltaren? ›ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) naproxen (such as Naprosyn)
Is Voltaren safe now? ›Voltaren gel is safe to apply to the skin and is for external use only. It can be applied to clean, dry skin but shouldn't be used in areas where there are cuts, infections, or rashes. Voltaren gel shouldn't be used in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Why can't you put Voltaren on your shoulder? ›It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.
Is Voltaren gel hard on the liver? ›Therapy with diclofenac in full doses is frequently associated with mild serum aminotransferase elevations and, in rare instances, can lead to serious clinically apparent, acute or chronic liver disease.
Is Voltaren good for sciatic nerve pain? ›Voltaren has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 9 reviews for the treatment of Sciatica. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.
Does drinking water help sciatica? ›In addition to providing hydration, drinking water has the potential to alleviate sciatica, a common source of lower back and leg pain. Drinking water can slow the progression of symptoms and ease discomfort.