Treating your pain
How does Voltarol work?
Helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement.
What is Voltarol?
The Voltarol range of products, which are available over the counter, contain a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) called diclofenac. Diclofenac works to inhibit prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. By reducing their effects, diclofenac helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
The Voltarol non-medicated Heat patch is a medical device which provides up to 8 hours of pain relieving heat.
Types of Voltarol
Voltarol is available in two different forms: Gel and non-medicated Heat Patch. Here we explain how each works.
Application of Voltarol to the skin
Voltarol Emulgel
Voltarol gels are topical treatments, which means that you apply them to the skin over the affected area. They work by pooling diclofenac on the surface of the skin; the drug then penetrates the underlying tissues, targeting the inflamed tissues (e.g. around the joint) to relieve pain, decrease swelling and support the healing process.
There are two formulations of Voltarol that can be applied to the skin, each of which offers its own range of benefits.
- Voltarol Emulgel P 1% w/w Gel should be rubbed gently into the skin. Depending on the size of the affected site to be treated 2-4g (a circular shaped mass approximately 2.0-2.5cm in diameter) should be applied 3 - 4 times a day.
- Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel should be rubbed gently into the skin. Depending on the size of the affected site to be treated, 2-4g (a circular shaped mass approximately 2.0-2.5cm in diameter) should be applied 2 times a day (preferably morning and evening).
After application, the hands should be washed unless they are the site being treated.
If symptoms do not improve by day 7, or if they worsen within the first 7 days, a consultation with a doctor is recommended. Do not use for more than 14 days unless recommended by a doctor.
Voltarol Heat Patch
The Voltarol Heat Patch is a non-medicated patch which provides continuous low level, pain-relieving heat for up to 8 hours. It provides targeted back and muscle pain relief without a tablet.
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