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 present here in the form of diclofenac-diethylamine. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has analgesic (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) effects.

Introduction

In addition to the medically active ingredient, Voltaren emulgel® contains various excipients (cetomacrogol, isopropyl alcohol, kerosene, polyacrylic acid and propylene glycol) as well as odorants and flavors. Voltaren emulgel® is available in pharmacies and on prescription and may therefore only be used according to a doctor’s prescription. 1 g of gel contains 11.6 mg diclofenac diethylamine salt, which corresponds to 10 mg diclofenac sodium. Voltaren emulgel® is available in package 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 moderate painful disorders 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). Its effect is achieved by inhibiting the production of tissue hormones in the tissue, which mediate pain signals.

At the same time, inflammatory reactions leading to swelling, redness and overheating are reduced. In contrast to many common pain medication that 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. Therefore, the sometimes serious possible side effects that can occur when taking 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, unlike tablets, is therefore not effective for joint pain.

Side effects

After applying Voltaren emulgel®, certain side effects may occur. The most common are local reactions such as skin rash or itchy skin. Systemic side effects are extremely rare and occur especially when large amounts of Voltaren emulgel® are used over a long period of time.

These include complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, immune system and respiratory tract. Voltaren emulgel® must not be used if there is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient diclofenac or any of the other components of the drug. In addition, pregnant women must not use Voltaren emulgel® in the last three months of pregnancy, as a harmful effect on the unborn child cannot be ruled out.

However, Voltaren emulgel® should only be used during the previous months of pregnancy and while breast-feeding if absolutely necessary, and then only under medical supervision. The drug should also not be used in children under 14 years of age. Voltaren emulgel® must also not be used in the case of inflammation or infection of the skin or an open area (both major and minor injuries) or on mucous membranes (for example of the eye or nose). In addition to these absolute contraindications, there are other diseases/conditions for which Voltaren emulgel® should only be used with special care and under medical supervision. These include respiratory diseases such as asthma.