Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRisksDangersOverdoseWho Shouldn’t Use ItWhen to Get HelpHow to Use
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Risks
Dangers
Overdose
Who Shouldn’t Use It
When to Get Help
How to Use
Voltaren(diclofenac) gel is generally safe when used as directed. In some people, however, Voltaren gel can lead to dangerous side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Milder side effects have also been reported, including skin dryness and irritation.
Using Voltaren gel as directed reduces the risk of side effects. Still, thisnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID) may not be right for you if you have a history of certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, heart problems, or peptic ulcers.
While some formulations of Voltaren gel can be available without a prescription, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before using it.
Verywell / JR Bee
Risks of Using Voltaren Gel
On rare occasions, people have been known to experience disruptive or intolerable side effects while using Voltaren gel, including:
Call your healthcare provider if you experience these or any other unusual side effects while using Voltaren gel.
Dangerous Side Effects
The FDA has issued ablack box warningadvising consumers of the following dangers of Voltaren gel in some users:
While rare, Voltaren gel has been known to causeanaphylaxis, a potentially deadly, whole-body allergic reaction.
Does Voltaren Gel Get Into the Bloodstream?A smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren gel gets into the bloodstream compared to oral forms of diclofenac. Still, Voltaren gel can still cause dangerous side effects if used inappropriately.
Does Voltaren Gel Get Into the Bloodstream?
A smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren gel gets into the bloodstream compared to oral forms of diclofenac. Still, Voltaren gel can still cause dangerous side effects if used inappropriately.
Signs of Voltaren Gel Overdose
Using more than the normal or recommended amount of Voltaren gel can lead tooverdose. The most common signs of diclofenac overdose are:
Other signs of diclofenac overdose include:
The exact symptoms of Voltaren gel overdose depend on how much Voltaren gel was used and how quickly the person experiencing overdose gets medical attention.
Whereas a very mild overdose may only cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, larger overdoses can be fatal. It’s critical to note, though, that mild stomach pain can still indicate massive—and potentially deadly—internal bleeding.
If you have any signs of diclofenac overdose, get medical attention immediately, even if the signs seem mild or unrelated.
Who Should Not Use Voltaren Gel?
Voltaren also needs to be used with caution in people with the following pre-existing conditions:
Voltaren Gel Interactions
Voltaren gel should never be used with anyother NSAIDin any form. Doing so further suppresses prostaglandins, which not only mediate pain and inflammation but also facilitate blood clotting. This can increase the risk of severe GI bleeding and cardiovascular events.
Avoid Voltaren if using other NSAIDs such as:
It is important to be aware of other potentially serious drug interactions:
When to Get Medical Attention
Call 911 if you develop signs ofstrokeorheart attack, including:
Call 911 if you develop signs of GI bleeding or intestinal performation, including:
Call 911 if you experiencesymptoms of anaphylaxis, including:
You should also call 911 immediately if you have any signs of diclofenac overdose, or believe you may have used too much Voltaren Gel.
How to Use Voltaren Gel Properly
Voltaren is a topical medicine applied to the skin. It is only meant for the local treatment of OA or actinic keratosis. It is not used for application on large areas of skin; doing so can lead to an overdose.
Apply the medication to clean, dry skin. Do not use on skin that has been broken or is peeling, infected, swollen, or covered with rash. Wash your hands after application.
After application, do not shower or bathe for at least 30 minutes.
Osteoarthritis
OTC Voltaren gel and the stronger 1.5% and 2% diclofenac formulations have specific dosing instructions to ensure safety:
To achieve better relief, apply the medication on the same schedule every day. It may take up to seven days to feel the full benefits of treatment.
Actinic Keratosis
The 3% diclofenac formulation is used only for actinic keratosis. It is available as a topical gel and sold under the brand name Solaraze.
Signs of improvement may not be seen until 30 days after the completion of therapy.
Where Should You Not Use Voltaren Gel?Do not apply Voltaren Gel to broken areas of skin, open wounds, or skin that is infected or severely peeling. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Voltaren Gel is for topical use only.
Where Should You Not Use Voltaren Gel?
Do not apply Voltaren Gel to broken areas of skin, open wounds, or skin that is infected or severely peeling. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Voltaren Gel is for topical use only.
Summary
Voltaren is generally safe when used as prescribed but may be unsafe for people with a history of peptic ulcers or serious heart disease. Taking it with other NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers. Cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke have also been reported.
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9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Voltaren 1% highlights of prescribing information.Actavis Laboratories.Diclofenac sodium topical solution.Voltaren.Frequently asked questions.Mount Sinai.Diclofenac sodium overdose.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding.Mount Sinai.Gastrointestinal perforation.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 1.5% highlights of prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 2% highlights of prescribing information.Mayne Pharma Group.Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) gel, 3% w/w.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Voltaren 1% highlights of prescribing information.Actavis Laboratories.Diclofenac sodium topical solution.Voltaren.Frequently asked questions.Mount Sinai.Diclofenac sodium overdose.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding.Mount Sinai.Gastrointestinal perforation.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 1.5% highlights of prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 2% highlights of prescribing information.Mayne Pharma Group.Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) gel, 3% w/w.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Voltaren 1% highlights of prescribing information.Actavis Laboratories.Diclofenac sodium topical solution.Voltaren.Frequently asked questions.Mount Sinai.Diclofenac sodium overdose.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding.Mount Sinai.Gastrointestinal perforation.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 1.5% highlights of prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 2% highlights of prescribing information.Mayne Pharma Group.Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) gel, 3% w/w.
Food and Drug Administration.Voltaren 1% highlights of prescribing information.
Actavis Laboratories.Diclofenac sodium topical solution.
Voltaren.Frequently asked questions.
Mount Sinai.Diclofenac sodium overdose.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding.
Mount Sinai.Gastrointestinal perforation.
Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 1.5% highlights of prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Pennsaid 2% highlights of prescribing information.
Mayne Pharma Group.Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) gel, 3% w/w.
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