Why are you not supposed to use Voltaren on your back?

Asked by: Dr. Jayde Hintz  |  Last update: January 27, 2024
Score: 4.8/5 (23 votes)

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.

Why can't I use Voltaren cream on my back?

You also shouldn't use it for more than 21 days. If you feel you still need it after that, it's time to check with a healthcare provider. Now, you may be asking, “Why can't I use Voltaren gel on my back or shoulder?” This is because it hasn't been well-studied on these body areas.

What happens if you use Voltaren on your back?

Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as back pain. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is one of the most common causes of body pain.

Can I use Voltaren on my back and neck?

Diclofenac gel must be prescribed by a doctor. Voltaren and pennsaid are the most common brand names. Voltaren gel is often suggested for joint pain in the hands, fingertips, knees, hips, and spine (neck and lower back), while Pennsaid is often suggested for knee pain.

Where should you not apply Voltaren?

Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.

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

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Why can't I use Voltaren on my back or hip?

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.

Can I use Voltaren gel on my back?

Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain

Use for up to 7 days for the relief of pain associated with recent (acute), localized muscle or joint injuries such as sprains, strains or sports injuries (e.g., ankle sprain, shoulder strain or back muscle pain).

Why was Voltaren taken off the market?

"This is a drug that has about the same risk of causing heart attacks as a drug called Vioxx, which was withdrawn from the market eight years ago because of this adverse effect," Henry, who is also a clinical pharmacologist, said in an interview with CBC News.

How often can I apply Voltaren to my back?

Usual dose: Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain: For adults and adolescents 16 years and older (regular strength): Apply gel 3 to 4 times a day on the affected area.

Where do you apply Voltaren gel for sciatica?

When you use topical medication, apply the cream/gel or lidocaine patch to your rear pelvis—where your sciatic nerve roots are located. Treating this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.

What is the best cream to use for back pain?

  • 10 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2023.
  • Salonpas Lidocaine Plus Pain Relieving Cream.
  • Topricin Fibro Cream.
  • Blue Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream for Arthritis, Muscles and Joints.
  • Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream With Lidocaine.
  • Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream for Foot Pain.

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.

What is the best painkiller for back pain?

If your pain continues, your provider may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, without a prescription. NSAIDs help reduce the swelling around the swollen disk or arthritis in the back.

Why can't I use diclofenac sodium topical gel on my back?

You can't use diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel) or diclofenac topical solutions on your back because they're not FDA-approved for pain relief in this area. There aren't enough research to know whether these medications are safe or will work well to treat back pain.

Is topical Voltaren bad for kidneys?

There are also topical products for arthritis that affects only one or two joints. 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?

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.

What are the side effects of Voltaren?

Common Voltaren side effects may include:
  • indigestion, gas, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
  • diarrhea, constipation;
  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
  • abnormal lab tests;
  • itching, sweating;
  • stuffy nose;
  • increased blood pressure; or.
  • swelling or pain in your arms or legs.

Is Voltaren Extra Strength good for back pain?

Voltaren Emulgel Extra Strength is indicated for the relief of pain associated with recent (acute), localized muscle or joint injuries such as sprains, strains or sports injuries (e.g.ankle sprain, shoulder strain, or back muscle pain).

Is Voltaren 50 good for back pain?

Its active ingredient diclofenac not only provides pain relief but reduces inflammation as one of its sources. With its anti-inflammatory effects, it offers fast and effective relief of back pain and muscle pain.

Is there an alternative to Voltaren gel?

Both Aspercreme and Voltaren gel can be effective choices to relieve arthritis pain in adults. These OTC topical medications may be a better alternative if you can't take oral pain relievers, like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications are considered safe for most people when used as instructed.

What is the Voltaren controversy?

A slew of studies, though, show diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — is just as likely to cause a heart attack as the discredited painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was pulled from the U.S. market in 2004.

What is another anti-inflammatory besides Voltaren?

ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) naproxen (such as Naprosyn) diclofenac (such as Voltaren) celecoxib (such as Celebrex).

What is the best gel or cream for back pain?

Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel instead allows a powerful anti-inflammatory (diclofenac) to penetrate the skin deep down in order to relieve pain and reduce inflammation where you need it.

Does Voltaren work immediately?

Voltaren gel is usually applied four times a day. You might get some relief quickly (within half an hour), but if often takes a few days of use for the full benefits to kick in. Make sure you wash your hands before and after using the product, says Dr. Frank.

Can you take ibuprofen and Voltaren together?

Being of the same class of medications, Voltaren and Advil may also interact, hindering efficacy and increasing risks of side effects if taken together.