Drug

Voltaren Emulgel®

What is Voltaren emulgel®?

Voltaren emulgel® is a drug from the Voltaren product range. It is a gel with the active ingredient diclofenac, which is in the form of diclofenac diethylamine.
It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has an analgesic effect (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory).

introduction

Apart from the medically effective active ingredient, Voltaren emulgel® also contains various auxiliary substances (Cetomacrogol, Isopropyl alcohol, Paraffin, polyacrylic acid and Propylene glycol) and also contain fragrances and flavors.
Voltaren emulgel® requires both a pharmacy and a prescription and may therefore only be used after a doctor's prescription. 1 g gel contains 11.6 mg diclofenac diethylamine salt, which corresponds to 10 mg diclofenac sodium. Voltaren emulgel® is available in pack sizes of 50ml, 100ml and 1000ml.

Due to its pain-relieving effect and the simultaneous containment of an inflammatory reaction, Voltaren emulgel® is mainly used for mild to moderately painful diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

effect

Voltaren Emulgel® contains the active ingredient diclofenac. It is a drug from the group of so-called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The effect is developed by the fact that the production of tissue hormones in the tissue, which convey pain signals, is inhibited.

At the same time, inflammatory reactions that lead to swelling, reddening and overheating are reduced. In contrast to many common pain medication, which have the same mechanism of action and are taken as tablets, the effect of Voltaren Emulgel® and comparable ointments only develops locally in the area of application.

For this reason, the possible side effects, which can sometimes be serious, which can occur through the use of NSAIDs, are not to be feared when using Voltaren Emulgel. However, a pain ointment such as Voltaren Emulgel® can only penetrate the tissue to a limited extent and therefore, unlike the tablets, is not effective for joint pain.

Side effects

After applying Voltaren emulgel® certain side effects can occur. Most often local reactions such as skin rash or itchy skin. Systemic side effects occur only extremely rarely, especially when large amounts of Voltaren emulgel® be used for a long period of time.
These include complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, the Immune system and the respiratory tract.

May not be used Voltaren emulgel®when hypersensitivity to the active ingredient Diclofenac or any of the other ingredients of the medication.
In addition, pregnant women are not allowed in the last three months of pregnancy Voltaren emulgel® use as a harmful effect on the unborn child cannot be excluded.

Also in the previous ones Months of pregnancy and during the Lactation should Voltaren emulgel® however only if absolutely necessary and then only under medical supervision.
The drug should also not be used in children under 14 years of age. Also with inflammations or infections of the skin or on an open area (larger or smaller injuries) or on mucous membranes (for example from eye or nose) may Voltaren emulgel® not be applied.
In addition to these absolute contraindications, there are other diseases / conditions in which Voltaren emulgel® should only be used with special caution and under medical supervision. These include respiratory diseases such as asthma.

application areas

The areas of application specified by the manufacturer for Voltaren emulgel® are:

associated with pain arthrosis (especially from Finger joint and Knee joints),
acute pain Bruises, Strains or Sprains by accident or Sports injuries,
acute Muscle aches (especially Back pain, by muscular tension arise),
Inflammation of superficial veins causing pain and / or swelling,
Pain from tendon insertions (especially in the so-called Tennis elbow = Epicondylitis),
Pain from soft tissues that are near the Joints are located (e.g. tendons (divorce) - or Bursitis) or
inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

In general, it should only be used for a short time in adolescents (from the age of 14).

Application forms

The application of Voltaren emulgel may only be used externally, the gel is not suitable for swallowing!
Voltaren emulgel should be applied thinly to the affected area of the body three to four times a day without putting pressure on the skin.

After rubbing in, you should wash your hands thoroughly (unless of course these represent the area to be treated). Before putting on clothes or a bandage over the area previously treated with Voltaren emulgel, the gel should be given a few minutes to soak in. The amount of gel should be about the size of a cherry to walnut, depending on the size of the treated region, which is roughly 1 to 4 g of gel corresponds.

Consequently, a maximum daily dose of 16 g gel (which is then converted 160 mg of diclofenac sodium corresponds to) are not exceeded. The treatment is usually carried out over a period of one to three weeks, the exact duration of the therapy being of course determined by the doctor.
In any case, it is advisable to have the success of the treatment checked by a doctor after two weeks. If, despite using Voltaren emulgel, the pain persists or even worsens after three to five days, a doctor should also be consulted.

dosage

Depending on the size of the body region to be treated, an amount the size of a cherry to walnut (corresponding to about one to four mg) of Voltaren Emulgel® is applied to the skin and massaged in. The application can be repeated up to three times per day.

Basically, the ointment can also be used over a longer period of time without hesitation. However, if symptoms persist after two weeks of use, a doctor should be consulted.

Does Voltaren Emulgel® require a prescription?

Voltaren Emulgel® is a prescription drug that is only available in pharmacies with a prescription from a doctor. The prescription can be issued by the family doctor or an orthopedic surgeon, for example. On the other hand, the Voltaren® pain gel does not require a prescription and therefore does not require a prescription. It is basically the same product, with the same active ingredient, strength and additives. Like Voltaren Emulgel, however, this is only available in pharmacies.