Therapy with Voltaren®

There are a few points to consider when using Voltaren® therapy. Firstly, it is recommended that you ask a doctor or pharmacist for help with the correct use of non-prescription products and read the package insert carefully. Voltaren® should only be used in the manner and dosage described there, unless otherwise expressly prescribed by a doctor! While using Voltaren®, you should refrain from taking other drugs from the NSAID group (for example, ibuprofen), as they increase both the effect and side effects of Voltaren®. Taking steroidal painkillers, such as cortisol, also increases the side effects in the gastrointestinal tract and should therefore be avoided if possible.

Interactions

In addition, certain interactions can also occur when taking other drugs. For example, taking certain antiepileptic drugs (e.g. phenytoin), lithium or cardiac glycosides can increase the level of active ingredient of diclofenac in the blood. On the other hand, Diclofenac can also cause some drugs to have a weaker effect than normal, including some antihypertensive and diuretic drugs.

Since the systemic use of Diclofenac can cause undesirable effects that can reduce general performance, such as dizziness or fatigue, the use of heavy machinery or active participation in traffic should be avoided under the therapy if possible, or should only be carried out with particular caution. There are certain individuals who should rather refrain from using voltars. A distinction is made here between absolute contraindications and relative contraindications, where a potential hazard of the drug must be weighed against its benefits and the possibility of using it if, then only after consultation with a doctor.

Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to the active substance diclofenac itself or to similar active substances (hypersensitivity reactions include asthma attacks, narrowing of the airway and skin rashes). In addition, Voltaren® must not be used in cases of existing stomach or intestinal ulcers, blood clotting or blood formation disorders or severe weakness of the heart muscles. Children up to the age of 15 years are strongly discouraged from systemic diclofenac use at least, as there are not yet sufficient informative studies for therapy in this patient population.Relative contraindications to the use of Voltaren® include asthma, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), asthma, chronic respiratory infections, tendency to allergic reactions, hay fever, metabolic diseases and liver dysfunction, immunologically caused skin diseases (e.g. lupus), high blood pressure, heart muscle weakness and kidney dysfunction. Therapy with Voltaren® is also not recommended during pregnancy, although it again plays a role in how far advanced it is: while it is not recommended during the first six months of pregnancy because there is not yet sufficient experience of potential effects on the mother and unborn child, its use during the last three months of pregnancy is strictly prohibited because it can cause severe damage to the unborn child and can also trigger premature labor and thus premature birth. Also in the lactation period one should not use Voltaren®, since Diclofenac and its decomposition products can pass over into the mother’s milk and thus be taken up by the baby.