Do not shower, bathe, or wash any treated areas for at least an hour after applying the medication. Wash your hands after using the medication unless you are using it to treat the hands. When you are ready to discard the dosing card, fold the card in half with the medication side inside and throw away out of the reach of children and pets. If the package instructions direct you to reuse the dosing card, then after each use, hold the card with your fingertips, rinse, and dry.
Do not apply the medication on skin that has cuts, infections, or rashes. You may use the dosing card to apply the medication. Gently rub the medication into the entire affected joint, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Squeeze an even line of the medication from the tube onto the dosing card, using the marks on the card to measure the prescribed dose. Place a dosing card on a flat surface so that you can read the print on the card. To measure the right dose, use the dosing card(s) provided with the medication. This medication is for use on the skin only. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Read the Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of using this medication. Stop using diclofenac and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: stomach/ abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/ bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking. (See also Precautions and Drug Interactions sections.) Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. This side effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while using diclofenac. Do not use this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).Īlso, this drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). This effect can happen at any time while using this drug but is more likely if you use it for a long time. To learn more, you can read the FDA’s press release here.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including diclofenac) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
The manufacturer of Voltaren arthritis pain says they anticipate the OTC version to be available in spring 2020. This is the FDA’s most serious warning for the potential of an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding. If you are taking an OTC NSAIDs or prescription NSAIDs already, you should talk to your healthcare provider before switching to the new OTC Voltaren gel.Īdditionally, all NSAIDS have a black box warning. Oral NSAIDs that are available OTC include: There aren’t really alternatives to Voltaren since no other topical NSAIDs are available OTC. Are there any similar medications available OTC? It relieves arthritis pain in joints in the hands, knees, and feet, and works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Voltaren is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). When it becomes available, it will be sold under the name Voltaren Arthritis Pain What is Voltaren for? The form approved for OTC availability is Voltaren gel, 1% (Diclofenac Sodium 1%). What form of Voltaren will be available OTC? Here’s what you should know about these OTC Voltaren.
Plan B, Flonase, and Alaway are some drugs that used to be prescription only, but were switched to OTC through this FDA process. The process is usually initiated by the manufacturer and for the drug to make the switch, they must prove the drug is safe to use without physician supervision. The FDA recently approved Voltaren gel to be available over-the-counter through the FDA’s “Rx-to-OTC” switch process.