Formerly prescription-only, the NSAID Voltaren gel will now be sold over the counter. Here’s what it means if you have arthritis and use this cream for pain relief.
Why was Voltaren taken off the market?
Canadian and British researchers are calling for the anti-inflammatory diclofenac to be pulled from the market worldwide because of its heart risks. Diclofenac is sold under a variety of brand names including Voltaren and is widely used for pain such as headaches, toothaches and arthritis.
Voltaren Gel, which GSKCH owns the rights to, is currently only available with a prescription in the US. Today’s OTC approval of Voltaren Arthritis Pain will provide the nearly 30 million Americans with osteoarthritis[i] over-the-counter access to this topical treatment option.
What is wrong with Voltaren Gel?
liver problems”nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low red blood cells (anemia)”pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or.
What is the difference between Voltaren gel and Voltaren emulgel?
Voltaren Emulgel contains 1.16% of diclofenac in a gel form. It is suitable for 3-4 applications a day for short-term pain relief. Voltaren 12H gel contains double the concentration of diclofenac, 2.32%.
How long can you use Voltaren gel?
How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.
Is aspercreme and Voltaren the same thing?
They also offer topical analgesics containing active ingredients like capsaicin or trolamine salicylate (Aspercreme® Original). Voltaren is a full prescription strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gel.
When did Voltaren go OTC?
Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium) is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication indicated for the temporary relief of joint pain due to osteoarthritis. On February 14, 2020 the FDA changed the status of Voltaren Gel 1% from prescription to non-prescription through a process called Rx-to-OTC switch.
Is there an over the counter equivalent to diclofenac?
by Drugs.com Both diclofenac and ibuprofen are available in various strengths. In the USA only the lower strength tablet ibuprofen 200mg is available over the counter (OTC), the 400mg and 600mg tablets are prescription medicines.
Can Voltaren gel damage kidneys?
A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys.
Can you use aspercreme and Voltaren gel together?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Aspercreme Maximum Strength Lidocaine Patch and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What is the generic name for Voltaren gel?
Generic Name: diclofenac sodium This medication is used to relieve joint pain from arthritis.
Why is diclofenac banned?
The government had banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006 after it was found that the once-thriving vulture population in the country was near extinction after eating the carcasses of animals that were illegally treated with human formulations of the drug.
What is a safe alternative to Voltaren?
Voltaren gel is a prescription medication that is approved for treating osteoarthritic joints that has been hard to find in pharmacies due to shortages. Turns out, Traumeel may be a better bet anyway.
Is surpass the same as Voltaren?
The topical cream, called Surpass, contains a 1% concentration of diclofenac sodium, a common anti-inflammatory agent for people available under a number of names, including Voltaren. Surpass cream is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for direct application to sore joints in horses.
Can you put Voltaren on your neck?
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as neck pain. Neck pain can be the result of stress, tension and poor posture and tends to affect us more as we age.
Is OTC Voltaren gel same as prescription?
Voltaren gel, which is the form that is applied topically (to the skin), is most useful for osteoarthritis of the knees and hands. It has been available by prescription since 2007, but the FDA just gave the manufacturer the green light to sell it (under the name Voltaren Arthritis Pain) over the counter.
Can you use ice with Voltaren gel?
Avoid exercises that could make the injury worse. Apply an ice pack to the affected area every 2-3 hours for 15-20 minutes. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and never apply ice directly to the skin. Use elastic compression bandages during the day to reduce swelling.
Is it safe to use Voltaren Gel everyday?
Voltaren gel is intended to be applied up to four times a day for 21 days only. If your pain persists after three weeks of regular Voltaren gel use, you should consult your doctor.
Does Voltaren Gel raise blood pressure?
NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure, which may add to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There is a potential for elevation in liver function tests during treatment with diclofenac containing products.
Can I use Voltaren Gel and take Tylenol?
No interactions were found between Tylenol and Voltaren. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Who should not use aspercreme?
Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not use this drug if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, this drug may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Is diclofenac gel the same as Voltaren Gel?
Voltaren is a prescription brand-name form of diclofenac sodium. It is available as a gel, as standard and extended release oral tablets, and as a suppository. Voltaren Gel is FDA-approved for treating osteoarthritis pain in joints amenable to topical treatment, such as knees, hands, wrists, feet, and elbows.
What is the prescription strength of Voltaren Gel?
For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults”Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints.
Where is Voltaren gel made?
GSK has invested $27.8m into manufacturing operations in Canada, including a technology transfer of Voltaren products from facilities in Switzerland to Mississauga.