Voltarol overview
Voltarol – bring back the joy of movement for your patients
The Voltarol range of products provides effective relief of body pain to help patients rediscover the joy of movement.
Voltarol – for effective relief of body pain
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Most Voltarol products include the potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac.1,2
This active ingredient targets pain at its source by reducing inflammation.1,3
Low systemic absorption, for a lower risk of systemic side effects4,5
The topical application of Voltarol Gels have a low systemic exposure meaning a reduced risk of systemic side effects and drug-drug interactions.4,5
Products that match patient needs
The Voltarol family of products contains a range of solutions to suit your patient's requirements, including:
- A selection of formulations – including topical gels and non-medicated patch
- Products based on either the active ingredient diclofenac or non-drug technology
- Treatments formulated specifically for common types of body pain – including joint pain; muscle pain; sprains and strains; and back and neck pain
The science behind Voltarol
Targeting pain with the potent anti-inflammatory effects of diclofenac1
Diclofenac reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis through action on the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. Diclofenac exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by COX-2. It also reduces the production of leukotrienes by inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity.3
Diclofenac not only provides pain relief but also treats inflammation – a root cause of pain.
Product Information: Please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics for full product information. Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel (diclofenac) and Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel (diclofenac). Indications: For the local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in trauma of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism. Dosage: Adults and adolescents 14 years and over: Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel: 2-4g of gel, applied topically 3-4 times daily. Maximum treatment duration is 7 days. Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel: 2-4g of gel, applied topically 2 times daily – morning and evening. Maximum treatment duration is 14 days. All gels: Patients should consult their doctor if the condition does not improve within 7 days, or worsens. Contraindications: Patients with or without chronic asthma in whom asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, acetylsalicylic acid, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or any other ingredient in the gel. Use in third trimester of pregnancy. Use in children and adolescents aged less than 14 years. Warnings and precautions: Apply only to intact, non-diseased skin and not to skin wounds or open injuries. Do not smoke and avoid naked flames. It should not be used with occlusion, allowed to come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes or ingested. Application over extensive areas for prolonged periods or application in excess of recommended dosage may give rise to systemic effects. Discontinue if rash develops. Use with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic or renal insufficiency, or bleeding diathesis, or intestinal inflammation. Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel: Contains propylene glycol and benzyl benzoate, which may cause skin irritation. Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel: Contains propylene glycol and butylhydroxytoluene which may cause skin reactions or irritations, and fragrance limonene and linalool which may cause allergic reactions. Side effects: Very rare: rash pustular, hypersensitivity (including urticaria), angioedema, asthma, photosensitivity reaction. Rare: Dermatitis bullous. Common: Dermatitis (including contact dermatitis), rash, erythema, eczema, pruritus. MA Holder: Haleon Ireland Limited, 12 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland. MA Number: Voltarol 1% w/w Gel: PA 678/140/2. Voltarol 2% w/w Gel: PA 678/140/3. Legal Category: 1%: GSL, 2%: Pharmacy only. Text revised: July 2023. Further information available on request.
Contains diclofenac diethylammonium. Always read the label/leaflet.
Harnessing the pain-relieving action of heat
Topical heat treatment applied directly on the skin increases both deep tissue temperature and blood flow and provides clinically proven relief of pain.6-8
The therapeutic benefits of continuous low-level heat* are long-lasting – pain relief is still provided up to 24 hours** after the heat source is removed.6†
According to some clinical guidelines for low back pain, superficial heat is the only non-pharmacological treatment with good evidence to support a pain-relieving effect.9,10†
*40°C for 8 hours per day for at least 2 days.**Up to 24 hours of pain relief in lower back pain from second day of treatment
†American Pain Society/American College of Physicians guidelines.
The Voltarol range offers pain-relief products tailored to individual patient needs
Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium) for strains and sprains
Scientifically proven to help relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement11–13
See the evidence for Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel. 100g pack available with no mess applicator.
Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
With a permeation enhancer to increase penetration of diclofenac,14 it provides up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain.15
See how Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel can help your patients, with just twice daily topical application
Voltarol Heat Patch – for non-medicated relief
Deep-penetrating and long-lasting relief using continuous low-level heat therapy.6,16-18*
See how Voltarol Heat Patch can help your patients with back and neck pain
*40°C for 8 hours per day for at least 2 days.
Voltarol – for effective relief of pain
Musculoskeletal pain
Learn more about strains and sprains and how they can be relieved.
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.
Educational resources
Access a range of resources about pain, diclofenac and the Voltarol range of products.
