Diclofenac - for back, muscle and joint pain relief
Acts through cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, striking inflammation at its source
Learn how diclofenac reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis through action on the COX enzymes with selectivity for COX-2, and inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity to reduce the production of inflammatory leukotrienes.1
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory agent1
Its effect on the COX-2 enzyme means that, unlike non-NSAID medications such as paracetamol, diclofenac not only provides pain relief but also reduces inflammation – a root cause of pain.
Diclofenac, an NSAID (and therefore in the same drug class as ketoprofen and ibuprofen), shows marked potency in its inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme.3
Diclofenac targets inflammation to strike pain at its source
Product Information
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel, Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Joint & Back Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium). Indications Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints e.g. due to sprains, strains and bruises, and localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism. Osteoarthritis and Max Strength Gel only: Relief of pain of non-serious arthritic conditions. Dosage and method of use Adults and children aged 14 years and over. Gently rub 2-4 g into skin of affected site. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days, seek medical advice. Back & Muscle Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 7 days. Leave at least 4 hours between applications. No more than 4 applications in 24 hours. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Max Strength Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 14 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 14 days unless recommended by doctor. Joint & Back Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 7 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 7 days unless recommended by doctor. Osteoarthritis Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 14 days. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Not for use for longer than 14 days unless recommended by doctor. Consult doctor if more than two major joints affected. Contraindications Patients whose asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs or excipients. Third trimester of pregnancy. Children under 14 years. Precautions Do not use on large areas of skin and over a prolonged period. Do not smoke and avoid naked flames. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight to avoid photosensitivity. Contains propylene glycol and butylhydroxytoluene which may cause skin irritation. Apply only to intact, non-diseased skin. Do not use with occlusion. Avoid ingestion or contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Caution in patients with previous or active peptic ulceration; suffering from/previous history of asthma or allergic disease. Discontinue use if skin rash develops. Caution with concomitant use of other diclofenac products or systemic NSAIDs. Side effects See SPCs for full details. Rash, erythema, pruritus, dermatitis, eczema. Hypersensitivity (including urticaria), angioedema. Asthma. Photosensitivity reactions. Desquamation, skin discolouration. Product licence number, legal category, pack size and RSP (excl. VAT) Back & Muscle Gel: PL 44673/0156 (GSL) 30 g £5.41, 50 g £7.49, 100 g £12.08. Max Strength Pain Gel: PL 44673/0154 (P), 30 g £7.08, 50 g £9.99, 100 g £15.58. Joint & Back Pain Gel: PL 44673/0160 (GSL), 30 g £7.08, 50 g £9.99. Osteoarthritis Gel: PL 44673/0155 (P), 30 g £5.41, 50 g £7.49, 100 g £12.08. PL holder Gels: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K. Date of preparation: Jan 2024.
Diclofenac-containing products
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
Scientifically proven to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement.4-6
See the evidence for Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel. 100g pack available with no mess applicator.
Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
Contains a permeation enhancer for up to 3x greater skin penetration.*7 For all day relief from joint pain – apply once morning and evening.
See how Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel can help your patients, with just twice daily topical application.
*compared with 1.16% Gel. In vitro study
Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
As effective as oral NSAIDs in osteoarthritis8
See how Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief Gel can help your patients with osteoarthritis.
Diclofenac – a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Patient care resources
Review educational materials on Voltarol products for your patients.
Conditions
Our overviews of common pain conditions explore the causes, signs, symptoms and impact of each condition, and summarise the latest evidence-based management recommendations.