When was Voltaren taken off the market?

Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium) is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication indicated for the temporary relief of joint pain due to osteoarthritis. On February 14, 2020 the FDA changed the status of Voltaren Gel 1% from prescription to non-prescription through a process called Rx-to-OTC switch.

Is Voltaren still on the market?

Voltaren Gel, which GSKCH owns the rights to, is currently only available with a prescription in the US. Today's OTC approval of Voltaren Arthritis Pain will provide the nearly 30 million Americans with osteoarthritis[i] over-the-counter access to this topical treatment option.

Why was Voltaren Gel taken off the market?

Canadian and British researchers are calling for the anti-inflammatory diclofenac to be pulled from the market worldwide because of its heart risks. Diclofenac is sold under a variety of brand names including Voltaren and is widely used for pain such as headaches, toothaches and arthritis.

Was diclofenac taken off the market?

A similar drug called rofecoxib (Vioxx), in the same non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug family (NSAIDs) as diclofenac, was voluntarily taken off the market by its manufacturer in 2004 amid concerns over associated heart risks. There is an ongoing Europe-wide review of diclofenac's safety.

How long has Voltaren been out?

This product, previously referred to as Voltaren Gel 1%, was first approved by the FDA in 2007 as a prescription drug and was indicated for the relief of the pain of osteoarthritis of joints responsive to topical treatment, in particular, the joints of the hands, knees and feet.

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Is prescription Voltaren stronger than over-the-counter?

Is there any difference between the prescription version of Voltaren and the OTC version? No. The new OTC version of Voltaren gel will contain 1% of the active ingredient, diclofenac, which is the same strength that previously required a prescription.

Can I buy Voltaren Gel over-the-counter?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gel with a proven safety profile for your arthritis pain. Now, you can buy Voltaren over the counter. Formerly a prescription product, it has been trusted by patients and doctors in the U.S. for 10+ years.

What is the difference between Voltaren and diclofenac?

Diclofenac is the generic name for the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain. Diclofenac is also available in oral formulations for a broader range of pain indications. Voltaren Arthritis Pain is made of a smooth, non-greasy formula that combines a gel and cream (Voltaren Emulgel™) for topical application.

Who should not use Voltaren?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Diclofenac topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

What can I use instead of Voltaren Gel?

Voltaren gel is a prescription medication that is approved for treating osteoarthritic joints that has been hard to find in pharmacies due to shortages. Turns out, Traumeel may be a better bet anyway.

Does Voltaren Gel get into the bloodstream?

Dear Dr. 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?

Can Voltaren cause heart problems?

World's Most Popular Painkiller Raises Heart Attack Risk : Shots - Health News Diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — raises the risk of a heart attack by about 40 percent. But that hasn't prevented the drug from becoming the world's most popular painkiller in its class.

Why is Voltaren not used on the back?

Backing up a 2015 study showing paracetamol is ineffective for back pain, our latest research shows non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Nurofen and Voltaren, provide minimal benefits and high risk of side effects.

Is generic Voltaren as good as the name brand?

Like the brand Voltaren, the generic diclofenac sodium 1% topical gel is available in a 100gm tube form. Generic prescription drugs approved by the FDA have the same high quality and strength as brand name drugs.

What is the generic brand for Voltaren?

Generic Name: diclofenac sodium

Diclofenac is used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Is there a generic Voltaren?

Voltaren Gel (Diclofenac sodium) is a moderately priced non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The 1% skin gel is used to treat osteoarthritis of the hands or knees. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions.

Can Voltaren Gel damage 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.

Does Voltaren raise blood pressure?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Why can't Voltaren be used on shoulders?

Why can't I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for shoulders, hips, etc.? Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication?

Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available. 10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.

Is Voltaren stronger than ibuprofen?

The differences between diclofenac and ibuprofen primarily have to do with the strength of the dosage, with diclofenac being the more potent of the two. 1 As such, aside from its topical form (a cream spread on affected areas), Voltaren is only available in the U.S. with a prescription.

Does Voltaren really work for arthritis?

A review of several clinical studies, found that Voltaren gel is particularly effective. “In this review, 60 percent of patients got 50 percent relief with topical NSAIDs,” says Dr. Konya. This was similar to the pain relief from oral NSAIDs and better than the placebo.

Is Walgreens diclofenac gel the same as Voltaren?

On Sept. 1, Walgreens introduced its own brand equivalent to the GSK Consumer Healthcare product Voltaren, a diclofenac gel that helps with managing pain from arthritis.

Which is better Voltaren cream or gel?

Voltaren has recently released their voltaren gel osteo 12 hourly product, which has twice the concentration of diclofenec (medication) compared to their standard product. Formula – The formulation is crucial for skin penetration. Without getting into too much detail, gel is more effective than cream.

Why can't I use Voltaren on my hip?

Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.