Voltaren gel is one of the most popular brand names for the drug called diclofenac. This medicine falls in NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, very similar to ibuprofen or aspirin. Diclofenac is primarily used to treat the inflammation and pain in joints due to arthritis. Tough using the topical Voltaren gel is generally safe. There are warnings for specific individual groups who should refrain from using this gel.
Voltaren gel and Voltaren gel extra strength can be used to treat arthritis symptoms, including pain, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in joints. However, this topical medicine simply relieves the symptoms; it doesn’t cure osteoarthritis of the root. It will keep symptoms at bay as long you continue with the diclofenac. Diclofenac topical 3% gel is also utilized to treat a skin disease called actinic keratosis. If not treated in time, this problem can become cancerous. However, the exact method of diclofenac in the treatment of this disease is still unknown. The topical solutions of diclofenac are used to treat swelling and pain, the major symptoms of osteoarthritis. The topical patches and topical systems of diclofenac are utilized to treat severe pain caused by sprains, strains, and contusions.
How to use Voltaren gel?
Ensure that the medicine is applied during the complete course of treatment. However, avoid using the gel more than the prescribed time as this medicine isn’t for long-duration use. It comes with full patient instructions and a Medication Guide. Before using the topical gel, go through these instructions and guide carefully.
- Wash hands properly before and after using Voltaren extra strength.
- If you are prescribed Voltaren 1% topical gel, use the dosing card to measure the dosage accurately. You should apply the gel within the oblong space of the dosing card up to 4 or 2-gram line (4 gram for each ankle, knee, or foot and 2 gram for each wrist, elbow, or hand).
- Apply the gel carefully on the dry and clean skin while ensuring that you don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with your hands while applying.
- Avoid Voltaren gel’s application on affected areas that have an infection, open wounds, broken skin, or severely peeling skin.
- Apply sufficient gel every time to cover the whole injured area.
- Avoid using heating pads or covering the treated area with a cloth or bandage unless the physician has told you to do so.
- Avoid using any kind of cosmetic products such as sunscreens or makeup products on the treated area.
- When you use Voltaren 1% topical gel, avoid showering, bathing, or washing the treated area at least for one hour. Before covering the area or bandaging it, wait for 10 minutes.
Dosage of Voltaren Gel
Unlike other such joint pain-relieving gels and creams that contain liniments such as camphor and menthol, Voltaren gel has an anti-inflammatory drug as a primary ingredient, which is directly absorbed into the body through the skin. In order to avoid any potential side effects, it is advised not to use Voltaren gel in a larger dosage. The medication comes with a dosing card, which shows how to measure the 2 gram and 4-gram dosage of the medicine accurately. The dose highly varies on the kind of joint where the medication is to be applied. Avoid using the gel on more than two body parts simultaneously.
With that being said, it is essential to read and understand every small detail about Voltaren gel before starting with the medication. If you are looking for more information on Voltaren gel, then stay tuned with us.
