Warnings & Recalls for Voltaren 1% Gel
Voltaren 1% Gel Black Box Warnings
Voltaren 1% has received two black box warnings for the increased risk of serious heart or gastrointestinal side effects. Patients with
circulatory problems or
heart issues should take caution while using Voltaren. This medicine may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Voltarin may also
increase the risk of stomach or
intestinal ulcers, perforation, or
bleeding.
Alcohol should be
avoided while using Voltaren. Using these two drugs together can increase the possibility of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy and Voltaren
Voltaren 1% Gel is a FDA
pregnancy Category C medicine. The effect on the fetus if taken by a woman who is pregnant is unknown; however, Voltaren has been shown to cause harm to the fetus when tested in animals. Voltaren
should not be used by women who are pregnant without consulting their doctor. It is
not recommended to breastfeed while using Voltaren 1% Gel.
General Warnings
In
December of 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved safety labeling changes to include warnings of
liver (hepatic) damage or disorders. Patients who are using Vilaren 1% Gel for an extended period of time should have their
liver function and
blood tested regularly.
Voltaren
should not be used by anyone who is allergic to diclofenac or any ingredient in the gel, or if you have asthma. Tell your doctor about
all medical conditions you may have, including:
- if you have had a heart attack, heart disease or heart failure
- high blood pressure or blood clot
- if you have a history of a stroke
- if you have ever had stomach ulcers or bleeding from the stomach
- liver or kidney problems or disease
- any blood disorders
- breathing problems
Do not use Voltaren if you have recently had or will be having heart bypass surgery.
Voltaren Interactions
Voltaren 1% Gel may interact with certain medications. Ask your doctor about safely using any other medicines, particularly:
- blood thinners
- medicines for preventing transplant rejection
- lithium
- psoriasis treatments
- diuretics
- corticosteroids (steroids)
- drugs for heart or blood pressure disorders
Avoid taking any other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs) without consent from your doctor.
Voltaren 1% Gel Treatment and Use
Voltaren 1% Gel | diclofenac topical is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) marketed by Novartis for treating joint pain related to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren may be prescribed for reducing pain or aching in the:
- hands and wrists
- ankles and feet
- knees and elbows
Voltaren might not work for treating pain caused by arthritis in other parts of the body.
How Does Voltaren Work?
Voltaren works by interfering with hormones called cyclooxygenase (COX), which are responsible for swelling in the body. By decreasing inflammation, Voltaren also reduces arthritis pain.
Voltaren Dosage Information
Voltaren 1% Gel should be used as instructed by your doctor. Voltaren 1% is typically recommended to be taken in 2g or 4g doses. Use only the amount prescribed. Do not apply the gel to any skin that is broken, irritated, burnt, or infected.
After applying Voltaren, allow the gel to absorb into the skin for 10 minutes before getting dressed. Do not shower or bathe for 1 hour after applying Voltaren. Do not put a bandage or any type of cover over the area. Other skin products should not be used on the area where Voltaren Gel was applied.
While using Voltaren 1% Gel, avoid heat sources including hot baths, saunas, heated lamps or pads, or hot tubs.