Voltaren Emulgel

Uses
Voltaren Emulgel is used to treat muscle inflammation, joint inflamation and tendon inflammation. It can also be used in cases of soft tissue injury, soft tissue rheumatism and localised rheumatic conditions. Voltaren Emulgel is a topical gel containing diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Dosage and Administration
Voltaren Emulgel comes in a tube containing 100g of gel. Each gram of gel contains 10mg of the active ingredient diclofenac.

Rub a small amount of gel to the affected area. The amount needed will be between the size of a pea and a walnut depending on the size of the affected area.

Aplly Voltaren Emulgel throughout the day as required, up to three or four times daily.

Voltaren Emulgel should be applied for no longer than two weeks. If pain still persists after this time, seek medical attention.

Side effects
Diclofenac can cause some unwanted side effects. Most are mild and should not be a cause for concern. Others can be more dangerous and require you to stop taking this medicine and/or to require urgent medical attention.

Common side effects you may notice can include:

• indigestion, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea, constipation
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness
• stuffy nose
• itching, increased sweating
• increased blood pressure
• swelling or pain in your arms or legs

If any of the above side effects contimue for a prolonged period or cause you discomfort, speak to your doctor about this.

Side effects that are of a greater concern include:

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion)
• swelling or rapid weight gain
• signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• high blood pressure - severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion
• low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating
• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
• allergic reaction
• signs or symptoms of heart attack or stroke

Precautions
Voltaren Emulgel should not be used by anybody who has had asthma or a severe allergic reaction caused by aspirin, diclofenac, or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac increases the risk of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, particularly when used for long periods or at high doses. Voltaren Emulgel should not be taken just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Stomach bleeding and/or intestinal bleeding can occur when taking Diclofenac. In some cases this can be fatal.

Voltaren Emulgel should not be used during the final three months of pregnancy unless specifically advised by your doctor. Doing so may harm the unborn baby.

Cosmetics, sunscreen, lotions, insect repellant, or other medicated skin products should not be applied to the same area as Voltaren Gel.

Avoid exposing treated skin to heat, sunlight, or tanning beds.

Voltaren Emulgel should not come into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. Call your doctor if you have eye irritation that lasts longer than 1 hour.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Voltaren Emulgel as this may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs while you are using Voltaren Gel.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any cold, allergy, or pain medication while using Voltaren Emulgel.