Voltaren Emulgel 2%

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Voltaren Emulgel 2% product image

Voltaren Emulgel 2% − eases joint pain and inflammation all day long when applied twice daily1

Provides up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain through an anti-inflammatory action.1

Contains diclofenac, a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with effective analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.2

Diagram showing the concentrations of diclofenac reaching the various tissues beneath the skin of the knee following topical application3

Diclofenac gets deep into the joint area3

After topical administration, diclofenac is distributed to the subcutaneous tissues, muscle, synovial tissues and synovial fluid, the latter tissues typically being most likely to be driving joint pain.3 Its chemical properties support retention within the joint where it is needed, rather than the blood stream.3,4

Voltaren Emulgel 2% is specially formulated to help the anti-inflammatory ingredient get through the skin.5,6 It contains a permeation enhancer for increased delivery of diclofenac through the skin.6*

The deep penetration of Voltaren Emulgel 2% makes it suitable for the treatment of joint pain related to trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and other joint tissues as well as localised soft-tissue rheumatism.5

*Voltaren Emulgel 2% compared with Voltaren (1.16%) Emulgel (in vitro study) when measured over 24 hours.

Man holding ankle

Provides up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain1

Voltaren Emulgel 2% has proven clinical efficacy: in a study of acute ankle sprain, patients experienced a 65% reduction in pain from baseline after 4 days, with additional benefits in terms of reductions in swelling vs placebo.1

Voltaren Emulgel 2% provides all-day joint-pain relief, meaning convenient twice-daily application is all that is needed.1,5

Very low systemic exposure

Graphic depicting systemic exposure with topical or oral diclofenac3

Low systemic absorption, for a lower risk of systemic side effects3,5,8

Voltaren Emulgel 2% has a low systemic exposure3,5,9 meaning a reduced risk of systemic side effects and drug–drug interactions.3,5

That includes a reduced systemic side-effect risk vs oral NSAIDs (e.g. gastrointestinal events).10,11*

*There is an increased risk of mild dermatological side effects (e.g. skin irritation) with topical diclofenac, but this is non-serious and reversible.

Supported by treatment guidelines

Osteoarthritis treatment algorithm14–16

Providing additional pain-relief alongside paracetamol12–14*

Clinical guidelines support the use of paracetamol for chronic osteoarthritis pain of the knee,12,15 hand12 and hip,15 with the option of adding topical NSAIDs for further pain relief,12,15 including for the treatment of short-term pain flares that often accompany chronic osteoarthritis pain.15 However, more-recent guidelines do not recommend the use of paracetamol (alone or in combination with topical NSAIDs) for the treatment of osteoarthritis.16

*Current Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines do not recommend treating osteoarthritis with paracetamol.

†Current OARSI guidelines do not recommend treating osteoarthritis with oral or transdermal opioids.

What can Voltaren Emulgel 2% do for Nora?

Lady sitting beside bunch of flowers

Nora needs to regain mobility by easing joint stiffness

Nora wakes up with joint pain and stiffness each morning and has difficulty climbing stairs but does not want this to control her life or her choices.

She already receives multiple oral medications and is concerned that adding more will increase her risk of side effects.

Nora tries to stay active by gardening and going for walks, but this can sometimes be a struggle.

She wants sustained relief from her pain so that she can do the things she enjoys.

Voltaren Emulgel 2% provides clinically proven joint pain relief7 in a convenient, twice-daily application, without the worry of adding more oral medications.

Recommend Voltaren Emulgel 2% to your patients for relief of joint pain and inflammation all day long when applied twice daily

Voltaren Emulgel 2% product image

Voltaren Emulgel 2%

For patients who are looking for long-lasting relief from joint pain and inflammation, using a topical formulation.

Voltaren Emulgel 2% product details

  • One gram of Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel contains 23.2 mg (2.32% w/w) of diclofenac diethylamine, which corresponds to 20 mg (2% w/w) of diclofenac sodium. 

    Also contains excipients (butylhydroxytoluene, carbomer, cocoyl caprylocaprate, diethylamine, isopropyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, macrogol cetostearyl ether, oleyl alcohol, propylene glycol, perfume eucalyptus sting, purified water).

  • For cutaneous use only. Patients should consult their doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens within 7 days of starting treatment.

    Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over: Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel provides lasting pain relief of up to 12 Hours (applied 2 times daily – morning and evening). It should be rubbed gently into the skin at the affected area. The amount needed depends on the size of the painful area: 2 g to 4 g (a quantity ranging in size from a cherry to a walnut) of gel is sufficient to treat an area of about 400-800cm². After application, the hands should be washed, unless they are the site being treated.

    The duration of treatment depends on the indication and clinical response. The product should not be used for more than 14 days. Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel can also be used as an adjunctive therapy with other pharmaceutical forms of Voltaren.

    Elderly patients (over 65 years of age): The usual adult dosage may be used.

    Children (under 12 years of age): The use and safety of Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel in children under 12 years has not been tested systematically and is not recommended.

  • The possibility of experiencing systemic adverse events (those associated with the use of systemic forms of diclofenac) should be considered if topical diclofenac is used at a higher dosage or for a longer period of time than recommended (see Recommended Dosage). Topical diclofenac should be applied only to intact, non-diseased skin, and not to skin wounds or open injuries. It should not be allowed to come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes, and should not be ingested. Discontinue the treatment if a skin rash develops after applying the product. Topical diclofenac can be used with non-occlusive bandages but should not be used with an airtight occlusive dressing.

    Information concerning excipients

    Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel contains propylene glycol, which may cause mild, localised skin irritation in some people, and butylhydroxytoluene, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.

    Effects on ability to drive and use machines

    Cutaneous application of Voltaren Emulgel 2% Gel has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

    Contraindications5

    • Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or to any of the excipients
    • Patients in whom asthma, angioedema, urticaria, or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs
    • During the last trimester of pregnancy

    Statement on Usage during Pregnancy and Lactation Pregnancy

    There are insufficient data on the use of diclofenac in pregnant women. Diclofenac should be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy only if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. As with other NSAIDs, use of diclofenac during the third trimester of pregnancy is contraindicated owing to the possibility of uterine inertia, fetal renal impairment with subsequent oligohydramnios and/or premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.

    Lactation

    It is not known whether topical diclofenac is excreted in breast milk. Diclofenac should only be used during lactation if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk to the newborn. If there are compelling reasons for using it, it should not be applied to the breasts nor should it be used at a higher dosage or for a longer period of time than recommended.

  • The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects: very common (≥ 1/10) common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000):

    Body system

    Adverse reaction

    Frequency

    Infection and infestation

    Rash pustular

    Very rare

    Immune system disorders

    		 Angioedema, hypersensitivity (including urticaria)

    Very rare
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

    Asthma

    Very rare
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatitis (including contact dermatitis), rash, erythema, eczema, pruritus Common
    Dermatitis bullous Rare
    Photosensitivity reaction Very rare

Voltaren 12-hour − up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain7

Woman clutching knee

Joint pain and osteoarthritis

Learn more about osteoarthritis and how it can be managed with physiotherapy.

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Educational resources

Educational resources

Access detailed clinical information on Voltaren Emulgel 2%.

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Patient care resources

Patient care resources

Download information on joint pain for your patient.

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