Common questions about Voltarol (FAQ)
Q: Is Voltarol the same as other painkillers like ibuprofen?
A: No, Voltarol (diclofenac) and ibuprofen are not the same medicine, although both are classified as Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). They are different chemical compounds and official product information states they have distinct risk profiles. Regulatory documents advise against taking multiple NSAIDs at the same time.
Q: Can I take Voltarol if I am already taking blood pressure medication?
A: Official product information indicates that diclofenac may reduce the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive medications, including diuretics (water pills), ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers. Regulatory documents state that blood pressure may require monitoring if these medicines are used together.
Q: For how long can someone typically use Voltarol safely?
A: Official guidance is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration consistent with individual treatment goals. For acute (short-term) use, some dosage forms may have a time limit, such as 7 days, if symptoms persist. Follow the duration advice provided in the product labeling.
Q: Is Voltarol safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
A: According to official product information, Voltarol is contraindicated (must not be used) during the third trimester of pregnancy (starting at 30 weeks). Use during the first and second trimesters is generally described as being for the shortest duration and lowest dose possible. Small amounts of the medicine are described as passing into breast milk.
Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks to avoid while taking Voltarol?
A: Official product information states that alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, some specific oral formulations, like the powder for oral solution, are explicitly instructed to be taken on an empty stomach with plain water for proper absorption.
Q: Is it normal to feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Voltarol?
A: Yes, official product labeling for some formulations lists dizziness and drowsiness as reported adverse reactions (side effects). Official warnings state that driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided if affected by these reactions.
Q: What are the differences in how the gel and the tablet forms of Voltarol work?
A: The key difference is the level of absorption in the body. The oral forms (tablets) are designed for full systemic absorption, meaning the medicine is distributed throughout the body. In contrast, the topical forms (gels) are designed for localized pain relief, resulting in significantly lower systemic absorption, which helps reduce the risk of systemic side effects.
Q: Is Voltarol suitable for treating pain after surgery?
A: Voltarol is formally contraindicated (must not be used) for treating pain that occurs immediately after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Official documents state that the use of Voltarol for post-surgical pain other than CABG requires specific professional consideration.
Q: How long does it typically take for Voltarol to start working?
A: According to patient information from official sources, oral forms (tablets or capsules) typically begin to provide pain relief within 20 to 30 minutes. Topical forms (gels or patches), which work locally through the skin, may take 1 to 2 days to achieve their full effectiveness.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Voltarol?
A: Official guidance is to skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule if the next dose is due soon. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, the previous one should be skipped. Taking a double dose is not recommended.
Q: Can Voltarol be used to treat headaches?
A: Official regulatory indications for certain formulations of diclofenac, such as the oral solution powder, specifically list the acute treatment of migraine attacks (with or without aura) in adults. The medicine's indications for migraine are limited to acute treatment.
Q: Does Voltarol have an effect on sleep?
A: Official product labeling for some diclofenac formulations lists insomnia (difficulty sleeping) as an adverse reaction. Insomnia is listed as an adverse reaction for some formulations.
Q: Can Voltarol affect fertility?
A: Official product information, consistent with other NSAIDs, states that diclofenac may potentially impair female fertility by interfering with ovulation. This effect is described as reversible upon stopping the medicine. Patients trying to conceive are often advised to consider discontinuing use, as the effect is reversible upon stopping.
Q: Is Voltarol used for treating nerve pain?
A: Voltarol is primarily indicated for pain and inflammation related to muscles, bones, and joints. Official documents describing the indications for Voltarol generally do not list nerve pain (neuropathic pain).
Q: Does the application site for Voltarol gel matter?
A: Yes, the application site instructions are important for safety. Official patient instructions state the gel must not be applied to areas of broken skin (such as cuts or open wounds), skin infections, or rash/eczema. Hands should always be washed after application unless the hands are the area being treated.
Q: How is Voltarol typically removed from the body?
A: According to official pharmacokinetic information, the active ingredient, diclofenac, is mainly broken down (metabolized) in the liver. It is then eliminated from the body primarily through excretion in the urine (about two-thirds of the dose) and the rest through bile.
Q: Can Voltarol increase sensitivity to the sun?
A: Yes, official warnings advise that topical formulations of Voltarol may increase the risk of photosensitivity (increased sun sensitivity). Patients are cautioned to avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (such as tanning beds) on the treated area.
Q: Is it possible to become dependent on Voltarol?
A: Voltarol is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and is not an opioid. Official patient resources generally state that diclofenac is not addictive.
Q: What are the most common reasons people stop taking Voltarol?
A: Official documents and common patient reporting indicate that the most frequent reasons for stopping treatment include gastrointestinal side effects (like stomach upset or nausea), the risk of serious cardiovascular events, and in some cases, simply a lack of sufficient pain relief.
Q: Can Voltarol interact with herbal supplements?
A: Official patient resources often advise that there is generally not enough regulatory information to definitively confirm the safety of taking herbal remedies and supplements with diclofenac. Patients are typically advised to consult a healthcare professional regarding specific non-prescription products.
Q: Is Voltarol suitable for general muscle soreness?
A: Official indications and patient resources state that Voltarol is used for the symptomatic relief of aches and pains, including problems with joints, muscles, and bones. This use extends to treating post-traumatic pain such as sprains, strains, and general muscle soreness.
Q: Is it common for people to switch from Voltarol to another drug?
A: Some official patient guides note that for long-term use of NSAIDs, a healthcare provider might recommend switching to a different medicine like ibuprofen or naproxen. This is often noted in patient guides as being related to the official risk profile for cardiovascular side effects.
