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Information on Voltaren Gel

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a type of medication used to treat inflammation and pain. Examples of this drug class include aspirin and ibuprofen. While NSAIDs are typically orally ingested, Voltaren gel is absorbed through the skin for joint pain relief.

  1. Function

    • Voltaren gel is an NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis. The medicine works by reducing the amount of hormones in the body that cause joint pain and inflammation.

    History

    • Voltaren gel was developed by Novartis and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007. It was the first topical gel to be approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

    Application

    • Voltaren gel should be applied directly to the skin in areas where the patient experiences joint pain. According to the manufacturer, the medicine should be applied at regular intervals four times a day.

    Benefits

    • Voltaren gel is absorbed through the skin rather than through the gastrointestinal tract. This prevents the patient from absorbing a high amount of active ingredients.

    Warning

    • Voltaren gel carries a risk for gastrointestinal complications, including bloody or black stools or vomit. Other reactions include ulcers, chest pain and abnormal urination.

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