Voltarène Emulgel 1% gel; diclofenac diethylamine 1.16 g/100 g (equivalent to diclofenac sodium 1.00 g/100 g)

Indication

For adults aged 15 years and older, for short-term local treatment of mild sprains or contusions, as an adjunct for muscle, tendon, or ligament pain, and for symptomatic relief of painful osteoarthritis flares after medical advice.

Ingredients

• Diclofenac diethylamine 1.16 g per 100 g gel
• equivalent to diclofenac sodium 1.00 g per 100 g gel

Direction

For external use on the skin only. Gently massage onto the painful or inflamed area. For sprains or contusions, apply 2–3 times daily for up to 4 days (maximum 2.5 g per application). For muscle or tendon-ligament pain, apply 3–4 times daily for up to 7 days. For a painful osteoarthritis flare, apply 3–4 times daily for 7 days; continue up to 14 days only with medical advice (maximum 4 g per application). Wash hands after use unless treating finger osteoarthritis, and let the gel dry before dressing or showering. Follow the leaflet and seek advice if symptoms persist.

Side effects

• Commonly reported local effects include skin redness
• itching
• irritation
• erosion
• or ulceration
• increased sensitivity to sunlight is very rare.
• Rarely
• serious allergic reactions can occur
• including widespread rash or blisters
• asthma
• like breathing difficulty
• or swelling of the face
• lips
• tongue
• or throat. Stop use and seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Precautions

• Do not use in children under 15 years
• on broken or diseased skin
• in the eyes or on mucous membranes
• or by mouth. Do not use if allergic to diclofenac or if aspirin or another NSAID has caused asthma
• swelling
• hives
• or acute rhinitis.
• Do not use from the start of the sixth month of pregnancy. If pregnant or breastfeeding
• seek medical advice before use
• do not apply to the breasts while breastfeeding.
• Do not apply over large areas
• at a higher dose
• or for longer than directed without medical advice. Avoid combining with other diclofenac or NSAID medicines unless a clinician advises it. Stop if a rash develops.