Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Voltaren Emulgel is a gel you rub onto the skin. It contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It relieves pain from recent muscle and joint injuries, such as sprains, strains and sports injuries. It comes in a regular strength (1.16%) and an Extra Strength (2.32%).
Voltaren Emulgel is not the same as diclofenac tablets. Diclofenac taken by mouth is a prescription medicine in Canada.
Voltaren Emulgel is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.
Voltaren Emulgel is authorized in Canada to relieve pain from recent, localized muscle or joint injuries, such as sprains, strains and sports injuries. The age limits differ by strength:
- Regular strength (1.16%): adults and adolescents 16 and older
- Extra Strength (2.32%): adults 18 to 65
It is for short-term use on the skin only.
Diclofenac
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
pain relief
Over-the-counter
Available
How Voltaren Works
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. The gel is applied to the skin over the sore muscle or joint. Much less diclofenac reaches the blood from the gel than from diclofenac taken by mouth.
Dosage Instructions of Voltaren
Follow the package directions.
- Regular strength (1.16%): apply 2 g to 4 g to the sore area 3 or 4 times a day. Do not use it more than 4 times in 24 hours.
- Extra Strength (2.32%): apply 2 g in the morning and 2 g in the evening. Do not use more than 4 g a day.
- Do not use either gel for more than 7 days unless a doctor tells you to. Talk to a doctor if the pain is not better within 7 days.
Apply the gel only to healthy, unbroken skin. Do not put it on cuts, open wounds, rashes or eczema. Keep it away from your eyes and the inside of your mouth and nose. Do not cover the area with an airtight bandage. Wash your hands after applying it.
Missed application: apply the gel when you remember, then again at the usual time. Do not apply a double amount.
Storage Instructions
Store between 15°C and 30°C, out of the reach of children. The gel contains paraffin, so keep it away from open flames.
Side Effects of Voltaren
Most side effects are skin reactions where the gel is applied, such as a rash, itching or redness. In clinical trials of regular-strength Voltaren Emulgel, local skin reactions were reported by 3.4% of people using the gel and 5.5% of people using a gel without medicine. Stop using the gel and talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you get a skin reaction.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- A rash with blisters, or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness
- A blistering skin reaction after sun exposure on the treated area
Important Safety Information About Voltaren
Do not use Voltaren Emulgel if:
- You are allergic to diclofenac, ASA (Aspirin) or other NSAIDs, or ASA or an NSAID has ever caused asthma, hives, swelling or a runny nose
- You are taking diclofenac or any other NSAID by mouth, whether prescription or non-prescription
- You are in the last 3 months of pregnancy
- You have just had heart bypass (CABG) surgery
Age: regular strength is not for children under 16. Extra Strength is for adults 18 to 65 only.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: in the first 6 months of pregnancy, use it only after talking to a doctor, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. If you are breastfeeding, talk to a doctor first and do not apply the gel to your breasts.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, or if you take blood thinners, blood pressure medicine or diabetes pills.
Large areas and long use: more diclofenac gets into the body when the gel is used on a large area of skin or for a long time. Use it only on the sore area, and for no more than 7 days.
Sun: treated skin may be more sensitive to sunlight. Be careful in the sun and with tanning beds or sun lamps.
Fire: the gel contains paraffin, which can catch fire easily when it builds up on clothing or bedding. Do not smoke or go near open flames.
Drug Interactions
Little diclofenac reaches the blood from the gel, so interactions with other medicines are unlikely. Even so:
- NSAIDs taken by mouth, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and other diclofenac products: do not use them together with the gel
- Blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, diabetes pills and fluoroquinolone antibiotics: check with your doctor or pharmacist before using the gel
Brands & DIN Number of Voltaren
Brand Names
- Voltaren Emulgel
- Voltaren Emulgel Extra Strength
Key Takeaways
- 1Voltaren Emulgel is a diclofenac gel sold without a prescription in Canada for short-term pain from muscle and joint injuries.
- 2Diclofenac taken by mouth is a different product and needs a prescription.
- 3Regular strength: 2 g to 4 g, 3 or 4 times a day, ages 16 and up. Extra Strength: 2 g twice a day, ages 18 to 65.
- 4Do not use it for more than 7 days unless a doctor tells you to.
- 5Do not use it with NSAID pills such as ibuprofen or naproxen, in the last 3 months of pregnancy, or if ASA or NSAIDs have caused asthma or an allergic reaction.
- 6Skin irritation is the main side effect. Get medical help right away for blisters, hives, swelling of the face or wheezing.
- 7BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone if pain does not improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for Voltaren in Canada?
When should I talk to a doctor?
How much Voltaren Emulgel can I use?
What is the difference between Voltaren Emulgel and Extra Strength?
Is Voltaren safe in pregnancy?
Can I use Voltaren Emulgel with ibuprofen or other pain pills?
How much does Voltaren cost in Canada?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team