Why was Voltaren taken off the market?

Asked by: Boyd Runte V  |  Last update: October 1, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (56 votes)

"This is a drug that has about the same risk of causing heart attacks as a drug called Vioxx, which was withdrawn from the market eight years ago because of this adverse effect," Henry, who is also a clinical pharmacologist, said in an interview with CBC News.

Why should people over 65 not use Voltaren?

Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.

Is Voltaren taken off the market?

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.

What is the downside of Voltaren?

Downsides

Water retention, headache, constipation, and nausea. Stomach-related side effects such as indigestion, belching, heartburn, and bleeding.

What is the best substitute for Voltaren?

Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay may all be used to treat minor joint pain, backaches, muscle soreness, strains, sprains, bruises, and nerve pain (in the case of their lidocaine products). In contrast, Voltaren is used to specifically treat joint pain on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

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

28 related questions found

Is Voltaren the same as Aspercreme?

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).

Which is safer Voltaren or Advil?

Differences in Side Effects

Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients. 1. There is an increased risk of liver damage with the use of Voltaren as compared to other NSAIDs. 8.

Who Cannot use Voltaren?

Who Should Not Use Voltaren Gel? Your provider might tell you not to use Voltaren at all. For example, you should not use Voltaren: If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke.

Who Cannot take Voltaren?

You should not use diclofenac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Does Voltaren really work for arthritis?

An alternative to pills, Voltaren gel is a topical analgesic that targets pain directly at the source to deliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for powerful arthritis pain relief. Voltaren is clinically proven to relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility.

Why can't I use Voltaren on my hip?

Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.

Is there an over-the-counter version of Voltaren?

What form of Voltaren is available OTC? Voltaren gel OTC comes as a 1% gel packaged in a 100-gram tube. It's available at pharmacies, many retailers, and online. The gel can be applied on specific joints throughout your upper and lower body.

What happens if you use too much Voltaren 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.

Why can't I use Voltaren gel 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.

Is Voltaren hard on the heart?

This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease or in people who use this medicine for a long time.

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.

Is Voltaren banned in the US?

GlaxoSmithKline (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1% (NSAID)- arthritis pain reliever) as an over-the-counter (OTC) product for the temporary relief of arthritis pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ...

Can Voltaren make arthritis worse?

“The lay public for whom NSAIDs are prescribed and recommended by both healthcare professionals and drug manufacturers should be aware that long-term NSAID use is detrimental to articular cartilage. Specifically, be informed that NSAIDs will likely worsen the osteoarthritis disease for which it is prescribed.

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 is the FDA warning for Voltaren?

Voltaren should be used with caution in patients with fluid retention or heart failure. NSAIDs, including Voltaren, can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal.

Can you have Voltaren with blood pressure medication?

Blood pressure medications

NSAIDs, like diclofenac, can raise your blood pressure. This can make it harder for blood pressure medications to work effectively, especially if you take diclofenac regularly.

Why can't you take ibuprofen and Voltaren together?

Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation. Gastrointestinal perforation is a potentially fatal condition and medical emergency where a hole forms all the way through the stomach or intestine.

What is the safest anti-inflammatory medication?

Your doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of a heart attack. In the lower dose, aspirin doesn't pose the same health risk as full-strength NSAIDs. These medicines are effective at dulling pain, reducing inflammation, and reducing fevers. When used moderately, they are generally considered safe.

Does Voltaren reduce inflammation or just pain?

Voltaren works by blocking a particular enzyme, called cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and-2, in the body. When this enzyme becomes blocked, the body makes a smaller amount of inflammatory chemicals, called prostaglandins. This helps to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

What is the safest NSAID for arthritis?

The best NSAIDs for arthritis if you have stomach issues are COX-2 selective NSAIDs and topical NSAIDs. COX-2 selective NSAIDs such as celecoxib are less likely to cause stomach problems including perforation, bleeding, or obstruction.