Why was Voltaren 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.

Why can you not use Voltaren?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while using Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel.

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 off the market?

The FDA has approved the sale of the prescription drug Voltaren as an over-the-counter medication. The approval is part of a new FDA program to make more drugs available without prescriptions.

Why is Voltaren not long term?

Long-term treatment with Voltaren can impact your liver enzymes. These may be higher than normal even before symptoms show up, and they can be a sign of serious liver issues that can be fatal or require a liver transplant.

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Is it OK to take Voltaren everyday?

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.

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.

Does Voltaren affect your heart?

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.

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.

Is over-the-counter Voltaren the same as prescription?

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.

What are the side effects of Voltaren?

Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What happens if you use too much Voltaren Gel?

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

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 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 gel affect the liver?

The FDA has announced that it is requiring new warnings about potential side effects of Voltaren gel, an arthritis topical treatment that may cause liver damage.

Why do doctors not prescribe diclofenac?

The Feb. 12, 2013 study in PLoS Medicine (2013;10:e1001388) indicates that diclofenac use can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or other high risk factors for cardiovascular problems.

What is the safest anti-inflammatory?

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory?

Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.

Is aspercreme and Voltaren the same thing?

Voltaren: This product contains diclofenac, another type of NSAID. Like the ingredient in original Aspercreme, it doesn't numb the area but works to relieve pain at a more systematic level. It may work better than salicylate-related medicines (such as those in original Aspercreme).

Can I take Voltaren with blood pressure medication?

Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ...

What can heart patients take for arthritis pain?

But for a person at risk for heart problems who also has arthritis or musculoskeletal discomfort and needs an NSAID, naproxen at the lowest possible dose is a reasonable choice.

Why diclofenac sodium is banned?

The Government of India banned “Diclofenac and its formulations for veterinary use” in July 2008 with a view to conserving vultures and, in July 2015, allowed use of the drug as a single-dose injection for humans only. According to wildlife veterinarians, the key cause of vulture deaths is food poisoning.

Is Voltaren stronger than ibuprofen?

How Voltaren and Advil Are Different. The differences between these two drugs primarily have to do with the strength of the dosage, with Voltaren being the more potent of the two.

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.

How safe is diclofenac?

For most people, taking diclofenac is safe. However, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, your kidneys do not work very well or you smoke, you should check with your healthcare professional that this medicine is appropriate. Use the lowest dose that works for you and stop as soon as you can.