pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. What is the strongest diclofenac gel? Follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: The Diclofenac dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients. This also puts you at an increased risk for side effects. For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. If you use too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. It's particularly useful for people with high blood pressure or heart disease, for whom oral NSAIDs are not recommended. Diclofenac is a generic for the brand-name drug Voltaren, which comes as an oral tablet or topical gel. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This medicine is not approved for use in children. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking aspirin, acetaminophen, prednisone, ibuprofen, tramadol, meloxicam, naproxen, Tylenol, diclofenac topical, oxycodone. Be ready to tell or show what was A black box warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. NSAIDs including diclofenac 3% gel can cause your body to hold onto more water. Talk with the doctor. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings. For people with asthma and aspirin reactions: If you have asthma and you react to aspirin, you could have a bad reaction to diclofenac. Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Diclofenac 3% gel and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it. NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are prescription pain medications. taking drugs like this one after a first heart attack were also more likely to die in the year after the heart attack compared with people not Available for Android and iOS devices. Call your doctor if your headache does not completely go away after taking Cambia. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. taking drugs like this one after a first heart attack were also more likely to die in the year after the heart attack compared with people not Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Generic name: Diclofenac Gel (1%) [dye-KLOE-fen-ak] Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; Signs of high blood pressure like very bad. Do not use heat or bandages on the treated part. Cambia; Cataflam; Voltaren; Voltaren-XR; Zipsor; Zorvolex; Descriptions. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 June 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 5 June 2023), ASHP (updated 11 June 2023) and others. You could have more side effects. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Some basic tips for application for Voltaren Arthritis Pain diclofenac gel: 2, 3. This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. yellow - Diclofenac Sodium 3% Topical Gel. 37.5 mg IV bolus over 15 seconds every 6 hours as needed for pain If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. any drug without checking with your doctor. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath. Compare their effects here. To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price. There are several factors that determine a drug's strength including dosage amount, frequency, and type of formulation. Babies born to mothers who use diclofenac 3% gel starting in the third trimester of pregnancy or later can also develop heart problems. 2014;90(4). Read it with care. This article explains how these drugs work, as well as their similarities and differences. All rights reserved. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 June 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 5 June 2023), ASHP (updated 11 June 2023) and others. Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex US Brand Name. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. If you have any of these health problems: If you are having trouble getting pregnant or you are having your fertility checked. Do not store in a bathroom. Maximum dose: 100 mg orally 2 times a day; this would be for the rare patient in whom the benefits outweigh the clinical risks. Learn how to save on eye drops after cataract surgery here. In 2020, the FDA . Learn about options such as analgesics and, Discover the stages of knee osteoarthritis, which range from a normal knee to a severely damaged one. Diclofenac 3% gel is applied to the skin and used to treat actinic keratosis (abnormal skin growth caused by too much ultraviolet light). Blue Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream for Arthritis, Muscles and Joints. This medicine is available without a prescription. If diclofenac gel (1%) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away. normal when diclofenac gel (1%) is stopped. You could have more side effects. The drug works by blocking a particular enzyme in your body. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to diclofenac (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Sometimes, this has been deadly. For seniors: Seniors are at higher risk for stomach problems, bleeding, water retention, and other side effects from diclofenac. Diclofenac topical gel is used to treat osteoarthritis pain in certain joints. If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not take diclofenac gel (1%) by mouth. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Wade AG, Crawford GM, Young D, Corson S, Brown C. Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. The risk can happen within the first weeks of using diclofenac gel (1%) and may be greater with higher doses or long-term use. It is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in ethanol, sparingly soluble in water, slightly soluble in acetone, and partially insoluble . It recommends using a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with or without menthol (which creates a cooling sensation). Diclofenac is used for short-term treatment. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Maximum dose: 150 mg daily Store at room temperature. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking diclofenac gel (1%) during pregnancy. This medicine is not approved for use in children. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Truven Health does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Truven Health products. Your doctor may monitor your digoxin levels closely. Using diclofenac with certain blood pressure medications may also increase your risk of kidney damage. What to Know About Using Advil for Arthritis Pain, More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Relative benefit-risk comparing diclofenac to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis, Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis, Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries, Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations, Medication guide for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Topical diclofenac, an efficacious treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review, FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes. Voltaren (diclofenac 1%) is now available OTC as Voltaren Arthritis Pain in the U.S. Diclofenac topical gel is used to help relieve osteoarthritis pain in joints that can benefit from treatment through the skin. These joints include those in your hands and knees. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Similarities and Differences Between These Medications. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. In addition to treating pain, it can improve joint function and reduce stiffness. You need to be careful when taking ibuprofen with blood pressure medicines because the combination can also cause serious damage to your kidneys, particularly if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill). Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled capsules: 25 mg orally 4 times a day It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 2017;390(10090):e21-e33. If youre taking these, be mindful of how youre feeling, and if anything seems off, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. . Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Voltaren - diclofenac sodium gel. Other distinctions between these two drugs have to do with differences in the rate and severity of side-effects. Diclofenac topical gel may cause drowsiness. Diclofenac 3% gel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Do not use on skin that has any problems. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Store in a dry place. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Thats why its important to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Read it with care. Diclofenac is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Symptoms include fever, body aches, rash, peeling skin, painful blisters all over your body, and swelling of the face. Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Prevention where possible and regular screening for early diagnosis is key. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. advice about side effects. This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. Can I apply lotion, sunscreen, or makeup over diclofenac 3% gel? Therefore, you should take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. The Lancet. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. These effects can be deadly. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. No more than 16 gm per day should be used for any single joint of the knee, ankle or foot. Food and Drug Administration. This can happen as early as within the first weeks of starting this medication. Follow all instructions closely. NSAIDs like diclofenac gel (1%) may affect egg release (ovulation) in women. be greater if you have heart disease or risks for heart disease. This condition causes rough, scaly spots on the skin of older adults. WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Diclofenac is a prescription drug. You must check If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Icy Hot products may contain menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, and/or capsaicin, which are counterirritants. Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Compared to other medications for this condition, diclofenac 3% gel has less side effects, but it might take longer to work. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If putting diclofenac gel (3%) on the hand, do not wash your hands for at least 1 hour after putting on. You should check your own blood pressure from time to time. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if your throat tightens and you can't breathe. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. Applying the gel to these areas of skin can cause you to absorb more medication and might put you at higher risk of side effects. While both aim to treat musculoskeletal injuries, research suggests that diclofenac gel (which comes in strengths of 1% and 3%) seems to provide slightly better pain relief more quickly compared to ibuprofen gel. Find out if kids need different sunscreens from adults, if sunscreen can be toxic, and whether it matters if youre slathering on SPF 100. Other drugs may interact with diclofenac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The diclofenac dosage for adults is typically 50 mg taken up to three times a day. Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. In light of both the widespread availability of NSAID drugs and their many applications, the FDA has issued some warnings about their use: Drug interactions are what happens when you take two or more drugs and they react to each other. Can Too Many Medications Cause Reversible Symptoms of Dementia? J Int Med Res. Stop using your medication and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following: In addition, call 911 and seek emergency help if you have: While there may be some drawbacks and unintended effects to taking NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen, its important to note that these are generally very successful in managing pain and swelling. 2 These areas can include the foot, ankle, knee, hand, wrist or elbow. If you are 65 or older, use diclofenac gel (3%) with care. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Diclofenac topical gel is available as the brand-name drugs Solaraze and Voltaren. to make sure that it is safe for you to take diclofenac gel (1%) with all of your drugs and health problems. NSAIDs like diclofenac 3% gel can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. Examples include LidoPatch and Topicaine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, its a pregnancy category D drug. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Emulgel is an emulsion which is gelled by mixing it with gelling agents. You can use them to reduce swelling and relieve pain in your muscles. taking drugs like this one. The information contained in the Truven Health Micromedex products as delivered by GoodRx is intended as an educational aid only. If your insurance company wont cover this form, you may consider checking whether it will cover the tablet or capsule form instead. help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: These are not all of the side effects that may occur. Take Zorvolex on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. That said, they should never be taken together, and you need to be careful about dosage. Diclofenac free acid capsules: 35 mg orally 3 times a day It is suitable for use by adults and by children over 14 years of age. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking diclofenac gel (3%) during pregnancy. If your doctor wants you to use it for a longer time, your doctor should check your liver function, kidney function, and blood pressure periodically. You must check Brand name: Solaraze Dont drive or use machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. You shouldnt need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Don't apply diclofenac 3% gel to any open skin wounds, infections, or damaged and peeling skin (exfoliative dermatitis). Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time. 2017;38(3):284-291. doi:10.15537/smj.2017.3.16023. In addition to menthol, pain relief gels may also contain hemp oil extract, aloe, emu oil, methyl salicylate, and camphor.Products with multiple ingredients may provide added relief . Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. Its over-the-counter form, with a strength of 200 mg, provides temporary relief from mild pain associated with: Prescribed forms of ibuprofen, usually sold under the name Motrin, come in 400, 600, and 800 mg doses. This drug has boxed warnings. Check with your Don't use diclofenac 3% gel with other oral NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Voltaren (Diclofenac) vs. Advil (Ibuprofen). Avoid drinking alcohol. Use: For acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. Is Gabapentin a Narcotic or Controlled Substance? By blocking these proteins, diclofenac treats actinic keratoses (AK) by stopping abnormal skin cells from growing. What Are Opioid, or Narcotic, Drugs and Medications? You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.