Voltarol 1.16% Emulgel

What is Voltarol Emulgel?

Voltarol Emulgel is a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory gel formulated to reduce pain and improve mobility of the joints, tendons and muscles. It contains the active ingredient Diclofenac 1%, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been clinically proven to be as effective as taking oral painkillers including ibuprofen.

This pain-relieving gel is suitable for adults over the age of 18 years for the short-term management of pain and inflammation. If you are continuing to experience pain and/or inflammation after 7 - 14 days of use you should speak to a doctor for advice.

What is Voltarol Emulgel used for?

Voltarol Emulgel is effective at relieving rheumatic, joint, tendon and muscle pain and inflammation, as well as pain, caused by sprains, strains and bruises.

If you are experiencing pain and inflammation and are unsure of the cause it is advisable to speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before starting any new treatment.

How does Voltarol Emulgel work?

Diclofenac dimethylammonium is the active ingredient in Voltarol Emulgel and is a popular medication used to tackle pain and inflammation. It falls into a category of medicines called NSAIDs and is similar to the more commonly known medication, ibuprofen.

Voltarol Emulgel targets pain and inflammation directly at its source. When the gel is applied to the skin it is absorbed deep into the tissues where it blocks the production of certain chemicals that are responsible for causing pain and inflammation.

How quickly does Voltarol Emulgel work?

For sustained pain relief, it is recommended that Voltarol Emulgel is applied every 4 hours, up to four times a day. By regularly applying the gel you will continue to have a therapeutic level of diclofenac in your body that will keep pain and inflammation under control so you can get on and enjoy your day. If you are using this gel to treat osteoarthritis it may take up to 7 days for enough diclofenac to be absorbed to adequately control your pain.

Alternatives to Voltarol Emulgel

Pain and inflammation can be debilitating and frustrating to live with but the right treatment can help you to move more freely and comfortably.

Alternative non-prescription treatments include:

• Oral painkillers - paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Topical creams and gels - Ibuprofen Gel, Movelat Cream or Flexiseq Gel

If you are finding that you are unable to manage your pain, discomfort and stiffness using non-prescription treatments alone it is recommended that you discuss further treatment options with a doctor or specialist.

• Voltarol Emulgel Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/31872#gref
• https://www.voltarol.ie/products/emulgel.html

Voltarol Emulgel warnings.

• Take care when using this gel alongside other medicines that contain NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin as this increases your chances of developing side effects.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Voltarol Emulgel if you have or have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers or have asthma.
• Do not smoke or go near naked flames when using this product due to the increased risk of severe burns. Fabric that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not remove it.

Voltarol Emulgel in pregnancy & breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Voltarol Emulgel must not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, as it could harm your unborn child.

Voltarol Emulgel should only be used under medical advice during breastfeeding as diclofenac passes into breast milk in small amounts.

How to use Voltarol Emulgel

Voltarol Emulgel is for external use only and should be applied directly to intact, clean skin surrounding painful or inflamed joints, tendons or muscles. It is suitable for children and adults over the age of 14 years, however, we are only able to supply it online to patients aged 18 and over.

Do not apply to more than two joints without first discussing this with your doctor and use the smallest amount of gel to cover the affected area. Do not use this gel for more than 14 days unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.

1. Gently squeeze out a small amount of gel from the tube or press firmly and evenly on the nozzle of the dispenser and apply to the painful or swollen area, slowly rubbing into the skin.
2. Apply the gel 3 to 4 times a day. Allow at least 4 hours between applications of the gel. Do not apply more than 4 times in 24 hours.
3. Wash your hands after use unless your hands are the site being treated.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use.

Voltarol Emulgel ingredients

Active Ingredient: diclofenac diethylammonium (1.16%) equivalent to 1g of diclofenac sodium in each 100g of gel.

Inactive Ingredients: diethylamine, isopropyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, perfume (containing benzyl benzoate), carbomers, cetomacrogol, cocoyl caprylocaprate, purified water

Voltarol Emulgel side effects

Like all medicines, Voltarol Emulgel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you experience any of the following signs of allergy or severe side effects, STOP using Voltarol Emulgel and tell a doctor or pharmacist immediately:

• Skin rash with blisters
• Hives.
• Wheezing, shortness of breath or feeling of tightness in the chest (asthma)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Increased sensitivity to the sun

The most common side effects are usually mild and transient, these include:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Reddening

For full details on reported side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.