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Health Centres - Voltarol emulgel P
How does it work?Voltarol emulgel P contains the active ingredient diclofenac diethylammonium, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
When diclofenac is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area.
Voltarol emulgel P can be bought from pharmacies to relieve local pain and inflammation caused by a variety of muscle, joint, tendon and ligament injuries, such as sprains, strains and bruises. It can also be used for rheumatism.
The gel should be rubbed gently into the skin over the affected area. The diclofenac will be absorbed into the underlying tissues, where it will relieve pain and inflammation.
What is it used for?
- Pain and inflammation due to injury to tendons, ligaments, muscle and joints, eg sprains, strains and bruises
- Soft tissue rheumatism
Warning!
- This preparation is for external use only.
- Do not apply the gel to broken, diseased or irritated skin, or to open wounds.
- You should not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- When diclofenac is applied to the skin it is absorbed into the bloodstream to a far lesser degree than diclofenac taken by mouth. This means it is much less likely to cause side effects on the gut than oral diclofenac. However, it is important that people with a history of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines are closely monitored by a doctor while using this medicine, particularly if elderly.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience side effects such as stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn or signs of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, eg blood in the stools, while using this medicine.
- If large areas of the body are covered with gel, absorption into the bloodstream will be greater and the risk of side effects increased, especially if the gel is used frequently.
- You should avoid excessive exposure to bright sunlight while using this medicine, as it may increase the risk of sunburn.
- If symptoms persist after seven days of treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Use with caution in
.
- History of asthma
- History of ulceration or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
Not to be used in
- People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema)
- Voltarol emulgel P is not recommended for use in children.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly the third trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- The manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding, as they have no safety information about the product. However, when diclofenac is taken by mouth it passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses is unlikely to harm the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis)
- Rash
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
- Allergic reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) or swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
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