Diclofenac for back, muscle and joint pain relief
Voltarol Gels and Medicated Plaster contain diclofenac – a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Diclofenac is the active ingredient in the medicinal range of topical Voltarol products that relieve pain by targeting inflammation.1,2
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that targets key steps in inflammatory cascades.
Product Information can be found at the bottom of the page
Acts through cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, striking inflammation at its source
Learn how diclofenac reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis through action on the COX enzymes with selectivity for COX-2, and inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity to reduce the production of inflammatory leukotrienes.1
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory agent1
Its effect on the COX-2 enzyme means that, unlike non-NSAID medications such as paracetamol, diclofenac not only provides pain relief but also reduces inflammation – a root cause of pain.
Diclofenac, an NSAID (and therefore in the same drug class as ketoprofen and ibuprofen), shows marked potency in its inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme.3
Diclofenac targets inflammation to strike pain at its source
Product Information
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel, Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Joint & Back Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium), Voltarol 140 mg Medicated Plaster (diclofenac sodium). Indications Gels: Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints e.g. due to sprains, strains and bruises, and localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism. Osteoarthritis Gel only: Relief of pain of non-serious arthritic conditions. Plaster: Local symptomatic, short term treatment of pain in acute strains, sprains or bruises of the extremities following blunt trauma. Dosage and method of use Gels: Adults and children aged 14 years and over. Gently rub 2-4 g into skin of affected site. Gels & Plaster: If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days, seek medical advice. Back & Muscle Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 7 days. Leave at least 4 hours between applications. No more than 4 applications in 24 hours. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Max Strength Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 14 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 14 days unless recommended by doctor. Joint & Back Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 7 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 7 days unless recommended by doctor. Osteoarthritis Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 14 days. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Not for use for longer than 14 days unless recommended by doctor. Consult doctor if more than two major joints affected. Plaster: Adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over: Apply 1 plaster to the painful area twice daily (morning and evening), for up to 7 days. Max dose 2 plasters/day. Treat one painful area at a time. Remove prior to bathing/showering. Use for shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. Contraindications Patients whose asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs or excipients. Third trimester of pregnancy. Gels: Children under 14 years. Plaster: Children under 16 years. Patients with active peptic ulcer, angioedema, damaged skin. Precautions Gels: Do not use on large areas of skin and over a prolonged period. Do not smoke and avoid naked flames. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight to avoid photosensitivity. Gels/Plaster: Apply only to intact, non-diseased skin. Do not use with occlusion. Avoid ingestion or contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Caution in patients with previous or active peptic ulceration; suffering from/previous history of asthma. Discontinue use immediately if skin rash develops. Caution with concomitant use of other diclofenac products or systemic NSAIDs. Plaster: Avoid exposure to ultraviolet light after removing the plaster. Use with caution in elderly patients and in patients with impaired renal, cardiac or hepatic function, bowel disease or haemorrhagic diathesis. Side effects See SPCs for full details. Rash, erythema, pruritus, dermatitis, eczema. Hypersensitivity (including urticaria), angioneurotic oedema. Asthma. Photosensitivity reactions. Gels: Desquamation, skin discolouration. Plaster: application site reactions, dry skin, anaphylactic type reaction. Product licence number, legal category, pack size and RSP (excl. VAT) Back & Muscle Gel: PL 44673/0156 (GSL) 30 g £4.83, 50 g £6.91, 100 g £11.24. Max Strength Pain Gel: PL 44673/0154 (P), 30 g £6.41, 50 g £9.16, 100 g £15.58. Joint & Back Pain Gel: PL 44673/0160 (GSL), 30 g £6.41, 50 g £9.16. Osteoarthritis Gel: PL 44673/0155 (P), 30 g £4.83, 50 g £6.91, 100 g £11.24. Plaster: PL 15545/0012 (GSL), 5s £15.83. PL holder Gels: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK) Trading Limited, 980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS, U.K. Plaster: GlaxoSmithKline Dungarvan Limited, Knockbrack, Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland. Date of preparation: August 2022.
Diclofenac-containing products
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
Scientifically proven to help relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement.4-6
See the evidence for Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel. 100g pack available with no mess applicator.
Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
With a permeation enhaner to increase penetration of diclofenac,7 it provides up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain.4
See how Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel can help your patients, with just twice daily topical application.
Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
As effective as oral NSAIDs for localised joint pain with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects.8
See how Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief Gel can help your patients with osteoarthritis.
Voltarol 140 mg Medicated Plaster(diclofenac sodium)
Effective relief of muscle pain with a medicated patch that targets pain and inflammation.4
Learn how Voltarol 140 mg Medicated Plaster can alleviate musculoskeletal pain.
Diclofenac – a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Voltarol products
Learn more about Voltarol products that contain this potent anti-inflammatory ingredient.1
Patient care resources
Review educational materials on Voltarol products for your patients.
Conditions
Our overviews of common pain conditions explore the causes, signs, symptoms and impact of each condition, and summarise the latest evidence-based management recommendations.
