Voltarol overview

Man riding a bike

Voltarol – bring back the joy of movement for your patients

The Voltarol range of products provides effective relief of body pain to help patients rediscover the joy of movement.

Voltarol – for effective relief of body pain

Relative potency of diclofenac, ketoprofen and ibuprofen

Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1

The Voltarol medicated products contain the potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac.1,2

This active ingredient targets the source of pain by reducing inflammation.1,3

Graphic depicting systemic exposure with topical or oral diclofenac

Low systemic absorption, for a low risk of systemic side effects4,5

The topical application of Voltarol Gels leads to a low systemic exposure meaning a reduced risk of systemic side effects and drug-drug interactions.4,5 For complete information refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics.

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Products that match patient needs

The Voltarol family of products contains a range of treatments to suit your patient's requirements, including:

  • A selection of formulations – including topical gels and a non-medicated patch
  • Products based on either the active ingredient diclofenac or non-drug technology
  • Treatments formulated for common types of pain – including joint pain; sprains and strains; and back and neck pain

The science behind Voltarol

Diclofenac

Targeting pain with the potent anti-inflammatory effects of diclofenac1

Diclofenac reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis through action on the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. Diclofenac exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by COX-2. It also reduces the production of leukotrienes by inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity.3

Diclofenac not only provides pain relief but also treats inflammation – a root cause of pain.

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heat patch

Harnessing the pain-relieving action of heat

Topical heat treatment applied directly on the skin increases both deep tissue temperature and blood flow and provides clinically proven relief of pain.6-8

The therapeutic benefits of continuous low-level heat* are long-lasting – pain relief is still provided up to 24 hours** after the heat source is removed.6†

According to some clinical guidelines for low back pain, superficial heat is the only non-pharmacological treatment with good evidence to support a pain-relieving effect.9,10†

*40°C for 8 hours per day for at least 2 days.**Up to 24 hours of pain relief in lower back pain from second day of treatment

†American Pain Society/American College of Physicians guidelines.

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The Voltarol range offers pain-relief products tailored to individual patient needs

Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel

Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium) for strains and sprains

Scientifically proven to help relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement11–13

100g pack available with no mess applicator.

Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel pack

Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium) offers convenient twice daily application

With a permeation enhancer to increase penetration of diclofenac,14 it provides up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain.15

  • Product Information

    Product Information: Please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics for full product information. Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel and Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel (diclofenac). Indications: For the local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in trauma of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism. Dosage: Adults and adolescents 14 years and over: Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel: 2-4g , applied 3-4 times daily. Maximum treatment duration is 7 days. Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel: 2-4g, applied twice daily. Maximum treatment duration is 14 days. In adolescents aged 14 years and over, consult a doctor if needed for more than 7 days for pain relief or if the symptoms worsen. All gels: Patients should consult their doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens within 7 days. Contraindications: Patients with or without chronic asthma in whom asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or any other ingredient in the gel. Use in third trimester of pregnancy. Use in children and adolescents aged less than 14 years. Warnings and precautions: Apply only to intact, non-diseased skin and not to skin wounds or open injuries. Do not smoke and avoid naked flames. It should not be used with occlusion, allowed to come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes or ingested.Application for prolonged periods or at a higher dosage may give rise to systemic effects. Discontinue if rash develops. Use with caution in patients with a history of, or active, peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic or renal insufficiency, or bleeding diathesis, or intestinal inflammation. Gastro-intestinal bleeding has been reported in isolated cases in patients with a significant history of peptic ulceration. Can precipitate bronchospasm if administered to patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma. Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel: Warn patients against excessive exposure to sunlight. Contains propylene glycol and benzyl benzoate, which may cause skin irritation. Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel: Contains propylene glycol which may cause skin irritations and butylhydroxytoluene which may cause skin reactions or irritations to the eyes and mucous membranes. Also contains fragrance limonene and linalool which may cause allergic reactions. Side effects: Very rare: rash pustular, hypersensitivity (including urticaria), angioedema, asthma, photosensitivity reaction. Rare: Dermatitis bullous. Common: Dermatitis (including contact dermatitis), rash, erythema, eczema, pruritus. MA Holder: Haleon Ireland Limited, Clocherane, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 Y983, Ireland. MA Number: Voltarol 1% w/w Gel: PA 678/140/2. Voltarol 2% w/w Gel: PA 678/140/3. Legal Category: 1%: GSL, 2%: Pharmacy only. Text revised: September 2025. Further information available on request.

    Contains diclofenac diethylammonium. Always read the label/leaflet.

Voltarol – for effective relief of pain

Patient care

Patient care resources

Review educational materials on Voltarol products for your patients.

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Man clutching ankle

Musculoskeletal pain

Learn more about strains and sprains and how they can be relieved.

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Conditions

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.

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