Osteoarthritis (OA) Treatment
Guideline Recommendations for the Management of Osteoarthritis Pain
How can we help patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) pain?
According to the most recent OA treatment guidelines from the ACR and OARSI, healthy habits like exercising and losing excess weight are first-line defenses against OA.1,2
ACR and OARSI guidelines favor NSAIDs like Voltaren and Advil as a first-line treatment of OA pain:
- The ACR strongly recommends NSAIDs like Voltaren and Advil for first-line relief of OA pain
- Strongly recommends a topical NSAID like Voltaren for OA of the knee1
- Strongly recommends an oral NSAID like Advil for OA pain of the knee, hip, and/or hand1
- The OARSI strongly recommends a topical NSAID like Voltaren for OA of the knee2
- Conditionally recommends an oral NSAID like Advil for OA pain of the knee for patients without comorbidities2
The guidelines have doubts about acetaminophen
- The ACR conditionally recommends acetaminophen for OA pain of the knee, hip, and/or hand1
- However, ACR also states that for most individuals, acetaminophen is ineffective for treating the symptoms of OA1,3
- The OARSI has no recommendation for acetaminophen. Evidence summarized in an updated meta-analysis suggests that acetaminophen has little to no efficacy in individuals with OA, with a signal for possible hepatotoxicity.2
ACR=American College of Rheumatology.NSAIDs=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.OARSI=Osteoarthritis Research Society International.
1 in 4 adults live with painful and often debilitating arthritis.4
Help patients with OA regain their lives. Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel and Advil tablets can help.
Safe and effective OA treatment options—Voltaren and Advil
For your patients who require an effective topical OA treatment, recommend Voltaren*:
- Topical NSAIDs like Voltaren are strongly recommended first-line therapy by ACR and OARSI for patients with knee OA,1,2 since pharmacologic management should begin with the lowest systemic exposure treatments1
- Voltaren is clinically proven to relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility, and it also:
- Penetrates deep at the source of inflammation to treat OA pain
- Provides effective relief with a proven safety profile5
- Is indicated for OA pain of the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee
- Should be considered prior to use of oral NSAIDs based on its low systemic exposure
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is the #1 doctor-recommended topical analgesic with a proven safety profile for over 10 years.*6
Learn about the science of Voltaren.
For your patients in whom an oral NSAID is appropriate, recommend the proven, pain-fighting power of Advil*:
- Oral NSAIDs like Advil are strongly recommended by ACR as a first-line therapy for patients with knee, hip, and/or hand OA1 and conditionally recommended by OARSI for patients with knee OA without comorbidities2
- Backed by 35+ years of clinical studies and real-world evidence confirming its safety profile—including for patients with cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal considerations—when taken as directed
Learn about the safety of Advil.
*Use as directed. Voltaren and Advil contain NSAIDs and should not be taken together. Please instruct your patients to adhere to and follow the product labelling instructions and to contact you for further guidance on appropriate use.
Nonpharmacologic recommendations
ACR and OARSI guidelines strongly recommend nonpharmacologic osteoarthritis therapies, including1,2:
- Exercise for patients with knee, hip, and/or hand OA
- Tai chi for patients with knee and/or hip OA
- Weight loss for patients with knee and/or hip OA
- Cane use for patients with knee and/or hip OA when there is an impact on ambulation
- Tibiofemoral knee braces for patients with knee OA when there is an impact on ambulation
- Hand orthoses for patients with first carpometacarpal joint OA
- Self-management programs for patients with knee, hip, and/or hand OA
- These include goal setting, problem solving, positive thinking, and disease education
A comprehensive list of all nonpharmacologic recommendations can be found within the guidelines.
Count on these treatments for joint and OA pain relief
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Advil: A proven safety profile for a wide variety of patients*
See how Advil safely delivers superior relief of OA pain versus acetaminophen.7
*When used as directed.
Efficacy of Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel
Learn all you can about how Voltaren delivers pain relief at the site of inflammation. In addition, Voltaren Drug Facts contain all you need to know about dosing and administration.
Patient care resources
Access educational resources for your patients to help them have a better understanding of their pain condition.
