General Information on Voltaren Gel
Voltaren Gel is used for treating osteoarthritis of wrist, elbows, feet, knees, hands, or ankles. The generic name of this drug is Diclofenac Sodium. This drug is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This drug is meant for topical use only.
In addition to Diclofenac Sodium, other ingredients present in this drug are: isopropyl alcohol, cocoyl caprylocaprate, propylene glycol, carbomer homopolymer Type C, fragrance, purified water, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, and strong ammonia solution.
Side effects of Voltaren Gel
Prolonged used of NSAIDs such as Voltaren Gel may increase patient’s risk to serious, even life-threatening, cardiovascular disorders. You should inform your doctor immediately if you show any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Slurred speech
- Problems with balance or vision
- Weakness
Voltaren Gel may cause stomach or intestine perforation or bleeding. This drug may also cause other fatal effects on the intestine or stomach. These severe gastrointestinal events may occur with or without any warnings. Geriatric patients are at increased risk to serious gastrointestinal conditions due to Voltaren Gel. Report to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
- Tarry, bloody, or black-colored stools
- Coughing up blood
Some other serious side effects that this drug may cause include the following:
- Weight gain
- Confusion
- Sore throat
- Skin reaction – facial flushing, hives, swelling, skin rashes
Less severe side effects associated with this drug may include the following:
- Epigastric distress – bloating, flatulence, constipation, mild stomach pain, mild nausea
- Mild redness, dryness, or itching at the administration site
You should not buy Voltaren Gel if:
- You just have had or are about to have a heart bypass surgery
- You are allergic to any ingredient present used in this drug
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before they buy Voltaren Gel as it may not be safe for unborn children. This drug is not expected to enter the bloodstream. However, as its effect on nursing children has not been established, you should seek your doctor’s permission before breastfeeding during treatment.
Dosage of Voltaren Gel
The recommended Voltaren Gel dosage range is 2-4 g per affected area. This drug includes special dosing cards that help you correctly measure the dosage.
To treat pain of the joints that lie in lower extremity (for example: ankle, feet, and knee), you should apply 4 g of Voltaren Gel 4 times a day. The maximum daily dosage for a joint in the lower extremity is 16 g.
To treat pain of the joints that lie in upper extremity (for example: wrists, elbows, and hands), you should apply 2 g of Voltaren Gel 4 times a day. The maximum daily dosage for a joint in the upper extremity is 8 g.
Interactions
Many other drugs, both oral and topical, may interact with Voltaren Gel. Before you buy Voltaren Gel online, tell your doctor about other drugs that you are taking.
Shared below is a partial list of drugs that are likely to interact with Voltaren Gel:
- Diuretics
- Blood thinning drugs
- Cyclosporine
- Blood pressure or heart medicines like ramipril, benazepril, lisinopril, quinapril, enalapril, and others
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
