Is topical Voltaren safer than oral Voltaren?

The level of drug entering the bloodstream is much lower than when the NSAID is taken by mouth. For example, topical NSAIDs reduce the systemic exposure by almost 90 percent. This minimizes the risk of harmful side effects.

Is topical Voltaren safer than oral?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER. Topical NSAIDs are associated with almost four times more local skin adverse events but about one-third fewer gastrointestinal adverse events than their oral counterparts in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain up to 12 weeks.

Is Voltaren gel safer than Voltaren tablets?

Now, new research suggests that topical NSAIDs (available by prescription in gel form) may pose less risk than the pills. Researchers tracked heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related problems in more than 46,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis over a nine-year period.

Is topical diclofenac better than oral?

A pooled analysis of two studies directly comparing the safety of topical diclofenac with that of oral diclofenac in patients with knee OA found that the topical solutions resulted in fewer gastrointestinal events (25.4 vs. 39.0% of patients, P < 0.0001), especially dyspepsia (11.0 vs.

Does Voltaren gel get absorbed into the bloodstream?

Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?

New OTC Voltaren Gel Pain Reliever VS Advil/Motrin, Aleve Or Tylenol. Facts For Best Choice

How long can you safely use Voltaren Gel?

How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.

How long can you use diclofenac topical gel?

For arthritis, you may need to use the gel for up to 7 days on the painful joint to feel the full effect. Depending on why you're taking diclofenac, you may only need to take it for a short time. For example, if you have a sore back or toothache, you may only need to take diclofenac for 1 or 2 days.

Does topical diclofenac affect kidneys?

Diclofenac and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) cause the kidney to lose the capacity to make these protective hormones and over time, can result in progressive kidney damage.

How long can you take diclofenac topical?

Topical diclofenac for actinic keratosis comes as a gel (Solaraze) to apply to the skin. It is applied to the affected area two times a day for 60 to 90 days.

Which is better Voltaren tablets or gel?

The gel comes with less risk because it is put on and absorbed through your skin, while the oral form goes through your entire body (systemic). Before you use Voltaren in any form, you should tell your provider about any other medications or supplements you take.

Does topical Voltaren raise blood pressure?

NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure, which may add to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There is a potential for elevation in liver function tests during treatment with diclofenac containing products.

Are topical NSAIDs safer than oral NSAIDs when treating musculoskeletal pain?

Topical NSAIDs are used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain because they are thought to be as effective as and have fewer adverse effects than oral NSAIDs.

Is topical Voltaren hard on liver?

3) Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cambia)

Any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) can cause liver injury, although it's very rare. This class of medications includes popular drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. But when it comes to liver injury, diclofenac is the NSAID with the highest risk.

Does topical Voltaren affect liver?

Therapy with diclofenac in full doses is frequently associated with mild serum aminotransferase elevations and, in rare instances, can lead to serious clinically apparent, acute or chronic liver disease.

Is Voltaren cream absorbed systemically?

The amount of diclofenac sodium that is systemically absorbed from Voltaren® Gel is on average 6% of the systemic exposure from an oral form of diclofenac sodium.

Why do doctors not prescribe diclofenac?

People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as diclofenac may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death.

What are the side effects of diclofenac topical gel?

Does Voltaren gel go through kidneys?

A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.

What is the difference between Voltaren gel and diclofenac gel?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain vs. Diclofenac: What's the difference? With a proven safety profile for 10+ years, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an effective topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) arthritis pain reliever. Diclofenac is the generic name for the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain.

Can you overdose on diclofenac topical gel?

Taking too much diclofenac sodium does not usually cause serious problems. The person may have some stomach pain and vomiting (possibly with blood). However, these symptoms will likely get better. In rare cases, a blood transfusion is needed.

How many times a day can you use Voltaren Gel?

For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.

What happens if you overuse Voltaren Gel?

Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing.

Can you take Voltaren indefinitely?

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.

What happens if you take Voltaren for too long?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may rarely increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time.