Diclofenac gel (brand names include: Voltaren gel / Voltaren emulgel / Voveral emulgel) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in topical form.

It is the first and only prescription topical NSAID FDA-approved for osteoarthritis joint pain.

Diclofenac gel may be used to treat arthritis pain:

In the arms: hands, wrists and elbows.
In the legs: feet, ankles and knees.


Because of how Diclofenac gel is formulated, only 6% of the active ingredient is absorbed throughout the entire body compared to 100% of the equivalent oral dose. With Diclofenac gel, you can target the pain relief in areas where it is most needed, with lower exposure to the rest of the body.

By applying Diclofenac gel 4 times daily, you help the medication levels remain steady throughout the day, providing relief you can count on. Remember, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. By rubbing in Diclofenac gel every day as directed, you can look forward to effective osteoarthritis joint pain relief.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Use Diclofenac gel exactly as directed.

The dose for your hands, elbows or wrists is 2 grams of Diclofenac gel each time you apply it. Apply Diclofenac gel 4 times a day (a total of 8 grams each day ).
Do not apply more than 8 grams each day to any one of your affected hands, wrists or elbows.

The dose for your knees, ankles or feet is 4 grams of Diclofenac gel each time you apply it. Apply Diclofenac gel 4 times a day (a total of 16 grams each day).
Do not apply more than 16 grams each day to any one of your affected knees, ankles or feet.

Apply Diclofenac gel to clean, dry skin that does not have any cuts, infections or rashes.

Do not use heating pads or apply bandages to where you have applied Diclofenac gel.

Avoid exposing skin where you apply Diclofenac gel to sunlight and artificial light, such as tanning booths.

Do not use sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellants, or other topical medicines on the same skin areas where you have applied Diclofenac gel.

Do not get Diclofenac gel in your eyes, nose or mouth. Diclofenac gel is only to be used on your skin (topical use). If you get Diclofenac gel in your eyes, rinse your eyes right away with water or saline. Talk with your doctor if eye irritation lasts for more than one hour.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before using Diclofenac gel, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have any serious medical conditions;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: diclofenac.