Voltaren Gel: 10 Things You Need to Know
Sunday November 11, 2007
Voltaren Gel is the first prescription topical treatment for osteoarthritis that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Voltaren Gel -- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID -- in topical form, will mostly be used on knees and hands. Voltaren Gel delivers effective pain relief and has a favorable safety profile. The systemic absorption of Voltaren Gel (1 percent diclofenac sodium in topical gel formulation) is 94 percent less than oral diclofenac (generic for Voltaren).
The FDA approval of Voltaren Gel was based on several studies, including two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy (such as to test effectiveness) studies and a 12-month safety study. After 6 weeks of treatment in an efficacy study of patients with hand osteoarthritis, pain levels were reduced by 46 percent. In a 12-week study of patients with knee osteoarthritis, Voltaren Gel reduced pain levels by 51 percent.
Knowing how to use Voltaren Gel safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. Safety warnings about Voltaren Gel should be respected. Learn more about the safe use of Voltaren Gel in 10 Things You Need to Know About Voltaren Gel.
Related Resources:
- What is Osteoarthritis?
- 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
- Topical Creams for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
- 10 Things You Need to Know About NSAIDs
- 10 Things You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis
Photo by Kevin Russ (iStockphoto)
Comments
I started using Voltaren gel about 2 weeks ago while I await the approval from the insurance company for my hyaluronic acid shots in my knee (I have had wonderful success with these shots over the last 3 to 4 years, but the waiting period is too long and the pain is extreme). Anyway, with the gel, I *do* get relief - I apply 2 grams to my knee four times a day. So far side effects have been mostly a lot of flatulence, but now I am noticing weight gain! I have not changed my diet or exercise routine, so this is the only different element. Is there any precedent for weight gain?
You should definitely contact your doctor about any side effects or possible side effects you are experiencing with Voltaren Gel. On drugs.com, side effects are listed including “swelling or rapid weight gain”. It suggests stopping the treatment and calling your doctor if you have this side effect.
Thank you for your advice - I called my pharmacist and he advised that rapid weight gain (from the sodium and fluid retention)was an adverse side effect and said I should stop using it and call my ortho doc (who prescribed it). The pharmacist also named some other adverse side effects that I was having but not attributing to the Voltaren, like swollen fingers and ankles, a stiff neck, and ringing in my ears! So I called my ortho and left a message with his receptionist telling her all of this. He called me back when I wasn’t by the phone and left a message saying yes, do stop using it, but the symptoms really sounded like a viral infection that is plaguing our area right now! Interesting, no? So I am stopping use of the gel, and if my symptoms don’t improve, it is the virus!
I just starting to use this gel due to the advise of my doctor and have witness a significant relief from the pain in my knees. Yes there are side affects such as possible dizziness and they are written on the package. I did not get dizzy and I will use it
If you are allergic to Aspirin don’t use Voltaren
I began using Voltaren gel after my physician gave me a sample 2 weeks ago and the osteoarthritis pain in my knees is so much better than I have almost thrown away my cane that I have not been able to live without for 6 months!!
I have been on 75mg of Voltaren for 6 months and now I have been diagnosed as depressed, I am dizzy all the time and have headaches in my left temple. What to do
Same advice as above….always contact your doctor (who knows your medical history) to discuss bothersome side effects. It may require a medication change or different dose. Your doctor will know what to do next. Hope you feel better soon.
i just started using the voltaren gel about a week ago, although it does seem to stop the pain a little bit it doesnt work AMAZINGLY! it also seemes to make a a little bit dizzy and have gotten a sore throat sience, i think im going to look for somthing diffrent, this was actually prescribed for my sholder.
I been using Voltaren Gel for the last 15 years. It has been used in europe for many years and I been able to buy the
Voltaren Gel on my trips to Germany from Canada.My sister has also mailed me the gel and for the last 5 years we can get the Gel without an prescription. This has made my back pain and life more liveable. Where can I buy the Voltaren Gel in Canada?
Brigitte
If you do a Google search for Voltaren Gel in Canada some places come up..for example…http://www.universaldrugstore.com/medications/Voltaren+Gel/1.0%25
But I don’t know their reputation for doing business. You’d have to check into it.
My husband used Voltaren Gel 2-3 times the first day he used it. The next day several blood vessels popped in one eye. It looks like someone smeared ketchup in his eye and it’s also yellow. The other eye doesn’t have any popped vessels, but it has a yellow tint to it as well. I read about jaundice being a possible side effect. Did this happen to anyone else?
Report side effects or adverse events to your doctor immediately.
I used Voltaren Gel to obtain relief of elbow tendonitis. It worked, but within 2 days, I woke up with lung pain, and later saw a doctor. A chest x-ray revealed wet lung pleurisy. I was given toradol to deal with the pain increasing in severity, but didn’t seem to get results. I was prescribed aveolox for infection. After 5 days, I discontinued use of Voltaren Gel and resumed ibuprophen for pain relief, and lung pain began to reduce dramatically. 2 days later, lung pain nearly gone and use of ibuprophen tapering down. Those tubes of Volteran Gel went into the trash. My breathing is now pain free and I can sleep normally, again.