What Are Topical Nsaids
A topical medication is one thats applied directly to the skin. In the case of arthritis, it goes on the skin over the painful joint. The drug penetrates the skin, enters the joint and reduces the pain signals in the joint.
The level of drug entering the bloodstream is much lower than when the NSAID is taken by mouth. For example, topical NSAIDs reduce the systemic exposure by almost 90 percent. This minimizes the risk of harmful side effects.
The topical NSAIDs available in the United States contain the drug diclofenac, and they require a prescription. Diclofenac is available in three topical formulations: gel, liquid and patch.
A review of several clinical studies, found that Voltaren gel is particularly effective. In this review, 60 percent of patients got 50 percent relief with topical NSAIDs, says Dr. Konya. This was similar to the pain relief from oral NSAIDs and better than the placebo.
Topical NSAIDs are usually very well-tolerated. However, approximately 1 in 20 people experience a mild, temporary skin reaction, such as rash, redness, dryness or itchiness.
How Should I Use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
Use Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as instructed on the packaging. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands after applying Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel, unless you are treating the skin on your hands. Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing or wearing gloves. Wait at least 1 hour before you bathe or shower.
Do not apply to an open skin wound, or on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or expose it to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of diclofenac you absorb through your skin.
To treat osteoarthritis pain with Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel: This medicine is supplied with dosing cards that show you how much gel to use for a 2-gram dose or a 4-gram dose. Squeeze the gel onto this card along the line for your dose. Use no more gel than will fit on the length of your dosing line. Wipe the card directly onto the treatment area and rub gently into the skin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What Is In This Leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Voltaren Rapid 25. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your pharmacist or doctor. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your pharmacist or doctor will be able to advise you about the risks and benefits of taking Voltaren Rapid 25.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
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Other Options For Pain Relief
Of course, painkillers aren’t the only answer for many of life’s aches and pains. Many effective and safe alternatives don’t have any side effects at all.
- Ice packs, for acute injuries like a sprained ankle, can keep down swelling and ease pain.
- Heat — with a hot towel or heating pad — can be helpful for treating chronic overuse injuries.
- Physical activity can help reduce some kinds of discomfort, such as arthritis pain.
- Relaxation — with techniques like yoga or meditation — may reduce pain. Biofeedback may help as well. These approaches are best for pain that’s made worse by stress, like tension headaches.
- Nontraditional techniques with low risks — like acupuncture — benefit some people.
So remember: Pain relief doesn’t only come from a pill bottle.
What Are The Risks For People With Asthma
If you have asthma, painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be risky. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen, the active ingredients in medicines like Bufferin, Advil, and Aleve.
Other pain relievers are potentially less dangerous. Acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — works differently. It poses a much lower risk of problems for people with asthma, although like any drug, it does have side effects of its own. You shouldn’t take any over-the-counter painkiller for more than 10 days without your health care provider’s approval.
Why are people with asthma at special risk from NSAIDs? Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause, but it seems that these medicines can trigger a dangerous immune response leading to constriction of the airways. People who are older and who have more severe asthma may be more sensitive to these drugs.
Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In some people, these medicines can also cause swelling of the face or hives. If you have any reaction, get help right away.
“One problem is that people may not realize the connection between asthma and a painkiller,” Korenblat tells WebMD. “It can take up to two hours for the medicine to cause the effect, so you may not see the link.”
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What Other Information Should I Know
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
What Is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Diclofenac works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel may not be effective in treating arthritis pain elsewhere in the body.
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How To Take Diclofenac
Use Diclofenac exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Different brands of diclofenac contain different amounts of this medicine, and may have different uses. If you switch brands, your dose needs may change. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how much medicine to take. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand of diclofenac you receive at the pharmacy.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Take Zorvolex on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Dissolve diclofenac powder with 1 to 2 ounces of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Diclofenac powder works best if you take it on an empty stomach.
Call your doctor if your headache does not completely go away after taking Cambia.
If you use diclofenac long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
How Does Voltarol Gel Work
Voltarol gels contain the active ingredient diclofenac diethylammonium, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Diclofenac works by stopping an enzyme in the body called cyclo-oxygenase from working.
If you have an injury, or a condition like arthritis, the COX in your body normally makes substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac stops COX from making these prostaglandins and this reduces the inflammation and pain.
When you apply diclofenac gel to the skin it is absorbed into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area.
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Warnings For People With Certain Health Conditions
For people with high blood pressure or water retention: Tell your doctor before using diclofenac. Your heart may already be working hard, and adding an NSAID can increase this workload.
For people with ulcer or digestive bleeding: If youve had an ulcer or bleeding from your digestive system, ask your doctor before using diclofenac. Youre at increased risk for another bleed.
For people with kidney disease or taking diuretics: If you have kidney disease or take diuretics , theres a risk this drug can affect your kidneys ability to remove excess water from your body. Ask your doctor if diclofenac is the right drug for you.
For people with asthma and aspirin reactions: If you have asthma and you react to aspirin, you could have a bad reaction to diclofenac. Talk to your doctor before using the drug.
More Common Side Effects
The more common side effects that can occur with diclofenac gel include:
- itching or rash at application site
- stomach pain
The Diclofenac dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition youre using Diclofenac to treat
- your age
- the form of Diclofenac you take
- other medical conditions you may have
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage thats right for you. Theyll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.
All possible dosages and forms may not be included here.
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How To Use Voltarol Emulgel
Voltarol Emulgel is for external use only and should be applied directly to intact, clean skin surrounding painful or inflamed joints, tendons or muscles. It is suitable for children and adults over the age of 14 years, however, we are only able to supply it online to patients aged 18 and over.
Do not apply to more than two joints without first discussing this with your doctor and use the smallest amount of gel to cover the affected area. Do not use this gel for more than 14 days unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use.
Who Can And Cannot Take Diclofenac
Most adults can take diclofenac.
Children may be prescribed diclofenac to treat joint problems. Diclofenac tablets, capsules and suppositories are suitable for children aged 6 months and above.
Diclofenac gel is suitable for children aged 14 and above. Diclofenac plasters and patches are suitable for young people aged 16 and above.
Diclofenac is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to diclofenac or any other medicines
- have a blood clotting disorder
- are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
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Benefits You Might Be Entitled To
Care and mobility
If you have difficulties with daily living needs, getting around or need a carers help you could be entitled to the following:
- Personal Independence Payment
PIP has replaced the Disability Living Allowance but if you are getting the DLA now you do not need to do anything because you will be contacted by the Department of Work and Pensions when you need to apply for PIP.
If you are not getting DLA you can apply for PIP. There are two parts to PIP. One part is a payment if you cant move about easily and the other part is for daily living. If you are finding daily living difficult, you need someone to help you with daily tasks or you struggle with getting around you can apply for PIP.
- Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is replacing Disability Allowance for people who have reached a state pension age or are older. You dont have to have a carer to claim, but it is paid if you need help because of your disability.
- Disability Premium
You may be eligible for a disability premium, which is money added to any income-related benefits you are getting if you are also eligible for disability-related benefits .
Disabled Students Allowances
More information
Unable to work
There are 2 types of benefits that you could be eligible for if you cannot work because of your illness:
Universal credit
What Conditions Do Anti Inflammatory Gels And Creams Help
As discussed, the anti-inflammatory gel has to penetrate the skin before it can reach the affected tissues, so the problem area mustnt lie too far away from the skin surface. Therefore anti-inflammatory gels are more likely to assist the following conditions:
- plantar fasciitis
- tennis and golfers elbow
- ligament strains
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Read All Of This Leaflet Carefully Because It Contains Important Information For You
Always use Voltarol 12 Hour Emulgel 2.32% Gel exactly as described in this leaflet. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Voltarol 12 Hour Emulgel carefully to get the best results from it. Note that this leaflet is revised on a regular basis with the latest information on your medicine.
Please refer to the date at the end of the leaflet.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
You must contact a doctor if your signs of illness worsen or do not improve after 7 days.
If you get any side effects which worry you , talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Diclofenac Gel Cause Problems
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with diclofenac gel, although these do not commonly occur. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your gel. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
| Diclofenac gel side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Rash, itching, or redness at the site of application | If this is severe, stop using diclofenac and ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice |
| Using large amounts of gel can very occasionally lead to allergic-type reactions and breathing problems in some people | Stop using diclofenac and contact a doctor for further advice |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the gel, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Voltarol Gel
The following are some of the possible side effects of Voltarol gel. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Medicines can affect people in different ways.
- Skin irritation, itching or redness.
- Inflammation of the skin .
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight .
- Allergic reactions, such as narrowing of the airways that causes difficulty breathing , swelling of the lips, throat and tongue or severe skin reactions. These are very rare. If affected stop using this gel and get medical advice.
Read the leaflet that comes with the gel or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of diclofenac gel.
If you think you have experienced a side effect, you can report this using the yellow card website
When You Must Not Take It
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 if you have an allergy to:
- diclofenac or any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
- other medicines containing diclofenac
- aspirin
- any other NSAID or anti-inflammatory medicines
Many medicines used to treat headache, period pain and other aches and pains contain aspirin or NSAID medicines. If you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines, ask your pharmacist. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to these medicines may include:
- asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
- swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- hives, itching or skin rash
- fainting
Unless a doctor has told you to, do not use Voltaren Rapid during the first 6 months of pregnancy.
Do not use at all during the last three months of pregnancy.
If you are allergic to aspirin or NSAID medicines and take Voltaren Rapid 25, these symptoms may be severe.
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 if at the present time you have an ulcer or other stomach disorders, or bleeding from the stomach or bowel.
If you take it, your stomach problem may become worse.
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 if you have impaired kidney function or heart failure.
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Do not take Voltaren Rapid 25 after the expiry date printed on the pack.
It may have no effect at all, or worse, an entirely unexpected effect if you take it after the expiry date.
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