Voltaren® pain gel forte
Besides the normal Voltaren Pain Gel there is also the so-called Voltaren Pain Gel forte. This is a form of pain gel that needs to be applied less frequently than the normal form, yet still achieves the same effect. This means that the normal Voltaren Pain Gel must be applied 3-4 times a day to the painful area, while Voltaren forte must be applied only every 12 hours, twice a day, and still has the same effect as Voltaren Pain Gel. This more comfortable option is recommended for working patients who do not want to apply the pain gel to the affected area at work.
Alternatives
In addition to Voltaren® pain gel, there are several alternatives that can also be used for pain relief. Firstly, an oral medication can be used as an alternative to Voltaren® Pain Gel. This is a tablet or effervescent tablet such as Aspirin®, Paracetamol® or Diclofenac®.
The advantage of these drugs is that they also have a sometimes strong anti-inflammatory effect, which can be beneficial in the case of tendinitis or tennis elbow, for example. The disadvantage, however, is that this alternative to Voltaren® pain gel is absorbed through the mouth and from there must first reach the intestine in order to be absorbed into the blood through the intestine (absorption process) so that the blood then transports the pain-relieving active ingredients into the corresponding region of the body. This enormously long transport route means that, on the one hand, more active ingredient has to be taken in than is actually necessary, since much of the effect is already lost along the way.
On the other hand, it leads to a so-called systematic effect. This means that not only the elbow or the back, for example, receives an analgesic effect, but the whole body, including the leg and the stomach, although this would not be necessary at all. Furthermore, all alternatives to Voltaren® pain gel that are administered in the form of medication have much higher side effects and/or interactions.
Although Voltaren® Pain Gel may also cause side effects, such as allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes or shortness of breath, the side effects are generally less common and more predictable than with tablets. However, tablets are an important alternative if the patient has an open wound. In this case, Voltaren® Pain Gel should not be used, but an analgesic drug should be taken, which can be administered in the form of tablets. In general, it is important to note that pain medication, in whatever form, should not be used during pregnancy or in children without consulting a physician. Since Voltaren® Pain Gel also contains the active ingredient diclofenac, it should not be used if patients are allergic or hypersensitive to this active ingredient.
