Table of contents:
- Functions & Usage
- What is the drug Voltaren used for?
- What are the rules for using Voltaren?
- How do I save Voltaren?
- Dose
- What is the dosage for Voltaren for adults?
- What is the dosage of Voltaren for children?
- In what dosages and preparations is Voltaren available?
- Side effects
- What are the possible side effects of Voltaren?
- Precautions & Warnings
- What should be known before using Voltaren?
- Is Voltaren safe for pregnant and lactating women?
- Drug Interactions
- What medicines should not be taken with Voltaren?
- What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using this medicine?
- Are there any health conditions that this medicine should avoid?
- Overdose
- What are the symptoms of an overdose of Voltaren and what are the effects?
- What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
- What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?
Functions & Usage
What is the drug Voltaren used for?
Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) with diclofenac sodium as the main ingredient. This drug works by blocking the action of substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation (prostaglandins).
Voltaren can be used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as to relieve symptoms of joint stiffness due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. If symptoms do not improve after using this medicine, consult a doctor immediately.
What are the rules for using Voltaren?
Use Voltaren according to the instructions on the packaging or your doctor's instructions. Do not change the dose without the doctor's knowledge.
Do not use in large quantities or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest possible dose to treat your condition.
This drug is available in two variants, tablet and gel. For Voltaren tablets, you can swallow them whole together with plain water. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve it in water. Read the usage instructions carefully.
Meanwhile, Voltaren gel is used by applying it directly to the affected part of the body.
How do I save Voltaren?
This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Keep the Voltaren packaging tightly closed after use.
Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or is no longer needed.
Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of this medication.
Dose
What is the dosage for Voltaren for adults?
The dosage and frequency of use of Voltaren, both in tablet and gel form, must be adjusted to the conditions and response to treatment to suit the needs. The recommended dosage for adults is:
- To treat osteoarthritis: 100-150 mg / day in divided doses of 50 mg two or three times a day or 75 mg twice a day
- To treat rheumatoid arthritis: 150-200 mg / day in divided doses of 50 mg three or four times a day or 75 mg twice a day
- To treat ankylosing spondylitis: 100-125 mg / day in divided doses of 25 mg four times daily and an additional dose of 25 mg before bedtime if needed
To minimize the risk of side effects, use Voltaren tablets and gel with the lowest effective dose in the shortest possible time. Do not increase or decrease your dose from the prescribed dose.
For chronic conditions, such as arthritis, continue to use as directed by your doctor. It can take up to 2 weeks of regular use for this drug to feel its work.
What is the dosage of Voltaren for children?
Giving Voltaren tablets and gel to children under 12 years is not recommended because safety and efficacy is not known. We recommend that you consult your doctor first before giving your child Voltaren tablets or gel. The doctor may prescribe according to the child's condition or give other drugs.
In what dosages and preparations is Voltaren available?
Voltaren is available in tablet and gel form, with dosage sizes:
- Voltaren tablets 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg
- Voltaren gel 1%
Side effects
What are the possible side effects of Voltaren?
As with other drugs, side effects can occur if Voltaren tablets and gel are not used as directed. Minor side effects that may occur after using Voltaren are:
- Stomach ache, nausea
- Heartburn and flatulence
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching (especially on the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing
If you feel these effects and it gets worse, consult a doctor immediately. Voltaren tablets and gels can also cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Cardiovascular thrombosis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation
- Hepatoxicity or liver damage
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Heart failure and edema
- Renal toxicity and hyperkalemia
- Anaphylactic reaction (severe allergy)
- Serious skin reactions
- Haematological toxicity
Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions & Warnings
What should be known before using Voltaren?
Before using Voltaren in tablet or gel form, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You are allergic to diclofenac or aspirin or other NSAID drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib), or if you have any other allergies. Or, if you have an allergy to other active ingredients contained in Voltaren tablets or gel.
- You have a medical history, especially asthma, bleeding problems or blood clots, heart disease (including a history of heart attack), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, edema (buildup of fluid in the body), liver disease, kidney disease, nasal polyps, problems stomach / intestines / esophagus, and stroke.
Kidney problems can sometimes occur due to use of diclofenac. Problems are more likely if you have dehydration, heart failure, or kidney disease. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from occurring. Immediately consult a doctor if there is a change in urination.
Voltaren can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do activities that require high alertness after taking this medicine.
This medicine can also make you more sensitive to sunlight. For that, limit your time in the sun after taking Voltaren tablets or applying Voltaren gel. Tell your doctor if you experience sunburn.
Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach / intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems.
Is Voltaren safe for pregnant and lactating women?
There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant and lactating women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.
This drug falls into a category C pregnancy risk (possibly risky) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:
- A = Not at risk
- B = No risk in several studies
- C = May be risky
- D = There is positive evidence of risk
- X = Contraindicated
- N = Unknown
However, avoid using Voltaren if your pregnancy is in the third trimester or 30 weeks. The use of Voltaren in the third trimester can increase the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus (one of the conduits in fetal blood vessels).
For breastfeeding mothers, the use of Voltaren is not recommended or must be in special handling. Diclofenac as the main ingredient of Voltaren can come out through breast milk. Side effects may occur in your baby who is breastfeeding.
Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
What medicines should not be taken with Voltaren?
Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription medicines and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.
Several other drugs can interact with Voltaren tablets and gels, such as aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotension II receptor blockers (such as valsartan, losartan), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), cidofovir, lithium, methotrexate, and diuretics (such as furosemide).
Voltaren taken with other drugs that cause bleeding can increase the risk of bleeding. These drugs, namely antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel) and blood thinning drugs (such as dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin).
Check all the labels of the drugs you use carefully because many medicines contain pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and celecoxib.
These drugs can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Voltaren tablets or gel. However, if your doctor has directed you to take these drugs, you should follow your doctor's instructions.
What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using this medicine?
Certain drugs should not be used when eating or consuming certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.
Daily use of alcohol and tobacco along with Voltaren tablets or gel can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Therefore, limit your alcohol consumption and stop smoking. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor for more information.
Are there any health conditions that this medicine should avoid?
Avoid using Voltaren tablets and gel if you have:
- Allergies (including anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to diclofenac or other ingredients contained in Voltaren
- History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- You are currently or will be running an operation bypass coronary arteries.
Overdose
What are the symptoms of an overdose of Voltaren and what are the effects?
Symptoms of an NSAID overdose usually include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. Gastric or intestinal bleeding can also occur. If serious symptoms, such as fainting, hypertension, and difficulty breathing occur after taking Voltaren, you should see a doctor immediately.
Voltaren can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombosis, including myocardial infarction and stroke, if used excessively and for a long time.
Voltaren can also increase the risk of serious digestive problems, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. Elderly or people with a history of stomach ulcers and / or gastrointestinal bleeding have a more serious risk.
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
In an emergency situation or overdose, call 112 or rush to the nearest hospital.
What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when you are approaching your next dose, skip the missed dose. Continue taking the medication according to the schedule. Don't double the dose.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.
