Voltaren® | Voltaren (Diclofenac) - 25mg (30 Tablets)

How does Voltaren (Diclofenac) work?

Voltaren (Voltarol) tablets all contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Diclofenac is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Diclofenac is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis, gout, sprains, fractures, dislocations, back pain, tendinitis and frozen shoulder. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation following dental, orthopaedic (bone) and other minor surgery.

All types of Voltarol tablet should preferably be taken with food to help avoid irritating the stomach.

What is Voltaren (Diclofenac) used for?

In adults, Voltarol tablets can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions, including those listedbelow.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• A form of arthritis affecting the joints of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis).
• Acute gout.
• Acute disorders of the muscles and skeleton, such as frozen shoulder (periarthritis), tendon inflammation (tendinitis), tenosynovitis, bursitis.
• Painful conditions due to accidents, such as sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures.
• Lower back pain.
• Pain and inflammation following dental, orthopaedic (bone) and other minor surgery.

Voltaren (Diclofenac) Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion or abdominal pain.
• Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence).
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Balance disorders involving the inner ear (vertigo).
• Skin rashes.
• Ulceration of the stomach or intestine.
• Bleeding from the stomach or intestine.
• Drowsiness.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Fluid retention (oedema).
• Changes in blood pressure.
• Sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears (tinnitus).
• Allergic reactions such as severe skin rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema) or narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm).
• Kidney, liver or blood disorders.
• Small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke, particularly at high doses (150mg daily) and in long-term treatment.