When it comes to topical pain relief, Voltaren Emulgel and Voltaren Arthritis are two major contenders. Both are very popular for their proficiency in providing relief from discomfort and inflammation caused by various ailments, especially arthritis. However, they’re not identical and come with their unique traits and uses.
In this article, we discuss the differences between the two, their specific uses, and possible side effects.
We are providing you with the necessary information to make a clear decision based on your current situation. Let’s dive into the world of Voltaren Emulgel and Voltaren Arthritis.
Voltaren Emulgel is a topical gel that contains the active ingredient diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in the form of an emulsion gel.
Diclofenac the active ingredient is primarily designed to provide relief from pain and inflammation. This cream is particularly effective for conditions such as sprains, strains, and bruises resulting from injuries.
For those suffering from joint pain related to conditions like osteoarthritis, apply directly to the affected area.
It works in a different way than heat or cooling rubs. These rubs have ingredients that activate nerves in the skin, giving a sensation of heating or cooling, which distracts from the pain.
Also Read: Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream for Dark Spots: A Simple Guide
What is Voltaren Emulgel used for?
Voltaren Emulgel is mostly used for relieving pain and reducing inflammation and swelling in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
It also relieves pain in soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises.
The diclofenac in the gel reaches deeply into the skin barrier to deliver medicine at the site of pain. Which reduces the production of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.
It’s a practical and convenient treatment option for those who require quick and targeted relief without the need for oral medications.
Side effects of Voltaren Emulgel
Many people experience side effects after using Voltaren Emulgel.
The most common side effects are related to skin irritation where the gel is applied, which may include redness, itching, or a rash. Other, rare side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, or headaches.
This medication can also increase your blood pressure. So regularly check your blood pressure while taking this medication, and inform your doctor if the readings are high.
If you experience any severe side effects, including changes in urine output or symptoms of heart failure like swelling in the ankles/feet, tiredness, or sudden weight gain, inform your doctor immediately.
Remember that this is not a complete list, you may experience some other side effects. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What is Voltaren Arthritis?
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is another topical treatment option dedicated specifically to people suffering from arthritis symptoms. [1]
It is a gel containing diclofenac, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain from arthritis. Diclofenac works by reducing pain and inflammation-causing substances in the body.
The gel is proven to provide powerful arthritis pain relief and improved physical function. It is primarily used for osteoarthritis in the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands. Notably, it should not be used for more than 21 days without a doctor’s advice.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel may not provide relief for arthritis pain in other areas of the body.
What is Voltaren Arthritis used for?
As the name suggests, Voltaren Arthritis is made to help with arthritis pain.
It is particularly effective in reducing discomfort and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which is a condition that causes chronic pain and stiffness in the joints.
This gel is applied directly to the affected areas, such as knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands.
The active ingredient, diclofenac, works by inhibiting the production of chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation and pain. This targeted relief can be essential for those suffering from arthritis, allowing them to regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.
However, as we mentioned, don’t use this Voltaren Arthritis for more than 21 days without consulting your doctor.
Side effects of Voltaren Arthritis
Similar to Voltaren Emulgel, Voltaren Arthritis also has some side effects that people should be aware of.
Common side effects of this gel may include skin irritation presenting as redness, rash, and itching. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
Some rare side effects include
- heart attack or heartburn
- stroke
- upset stomach
- high blood pressure
- nausea, gas, or constipation
- kidney problems
- dizziness
- blurred vision
Symptoms that need immediate doctor attention are chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, and swelling of hands or feet.
Note that people with certain conditions or health risks, including heart disease, stroke, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease, should talk to their doctor before using Voltaren products.
Voltaren Emulgel vs Voltaren Arthritis?
Both Voltaren Emulgel and Voltaren Arthritis contain the same active ingredient, diclofenac, and work similarly. But there are some key differences between the two.
Voltaren Emulgel is a versatile solution that works great for treating a range of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It’s also great for soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises.
In contrast, Voltaren Arthritis is specifically formulated for relieving discomfort and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, particularly targeting joints like knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands.
It is worth noting that both are topical treatments, but Voltaren Arthritis is not recommended for use beyond 21 days without a doctor’s consultation.
Always remember that a person’s responses can vary, so it’s important to seek a doctor for advice on the best option that suits your specific symptoms and overall health condition.
Safety precautions
Before taking Voltaren Emulgel or Voltaren Arthritis, it’s advised to consult with your doctor first.
This is because using Voltaren Arthritis in high doses for a long time, or if you have heart disease, can increase the risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke. Even if you don’t have heart disease or risk factors, using Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel could still lead to a stroke or heart attack. Avoid using this medication immediately before or after heart bypass surgery.
People who are allergic to diclofenac (Flector, Cataflam, and others), or have ever experienced an asthma attack or any serious allergic reaction after taking NSAID in the past, should avoid this pain gel.
Don’t use this Voltaren pain gel if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
- having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot in the past
- Fluid retention
- Liver or kidney disease
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- diabetes
- smoking
Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, it is advised to avoid using this pain gel if you are pregnant. Using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) during the final 20 weeks of pregnancy may lead to significant heart or kidney issues for the unborn baby.
Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about this medication.
Conclusion
Both Voltaren Emulgel and Voltaren Arthritis provide effective topical treatments for pain and inflammation, albeit with slightly different focuses.
Voltaren Emulgel offers a versatile solution for a wide range of conditions, while Voltaren Arthritis is specifically targeted towards relieving discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
They both contain the same active ingredient, diclofenac but they should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a medical professional due to higher risk and side effects.
Everyone’s response to these pain gels may differ. The best option for you will depend on your symptoms and overall health. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication regimen.
FAQ
How long does Voltaren Gel stay in your system?
Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren Gel, has a half-life of about 1 to 2 hours when applied topically. This means that it could take about 11 to 14 hours for the gel to be completely eliminated from your system.
Why can't I use Voltaren Gel on my back?
Voltaren Gel is not usually recommended for use on the back. This is mainly because when you use a lot of medication over a large area for a long time, it can increase the chance of getting side effects throughout your whole body because more medicine gets into your bloodstream. Plus, the FDA has approved the use of Voltaren Gel for joints that are close to the skin surface, such as the hands and knees, but not for deeper structures like the back.
Which Voltaren is best for arthritis?
Voltaren Arthritis is best to treat arthritis because it is specifically formulated for relieving discomfort and inflammation in osteoarthritis, targeting joints like knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and hands.
How long after using Voltaren gel can I take ibuprofen?
If you’re considering using Voltaren gel and then taking ibuprofen, it’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to 2 hours after applying the Voltaren gel before taking ibuprofen.
Both Voltaren gel and ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you use both NSAIDs together it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney problems, and other potential side effects.
What painkillers can you take with Voltaren?
You can take any painkillers with Voltaren. It is generally safe to take over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Voltaren, it is advisable not to mix Voltaren with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
