Voltaren (Diclofenac)

What is Voltaren?

Voltaren is a diclofenac NSAID brand. This article uses the Spanish Voltaren 50 mg gastro-resistant tablet label, containing diclofenac sodium. Gels, suppositories, prolonged-release tablets and diclofenac potassium products have their own information and are not automatically interchangeable.

How does Voltaren work?

Diclofenac inhibits prostaglandin synthesis involved in pain, inflammation and fever, potentially reducing pain and swelling. Its COX activity does not guarantee lower gastrointestinal risk than ibuprofen. Absorption depends on formulation; gastro-resistant is not immediate-release. A gel does not remove all NSAID risks.

Who is Voltaren for?

The reference label covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, extra-articular rheumatism, acute gout, primary dysmenorrhoea and post-traumatic inflammation or swelling. It does not include migraine for this tablet; do not transfer a diclofenac potassium product indication.

The doctor must assess cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic risks. This summary covers adults and does not change platform access criteria.

Dosage

Reference only for gastro-resistant Voltaren, not an individual prescription. Some doses require other strengths.

Swallow tablets whole with liquid, preferably before meals; do not split or chew. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Oral schedules do not apply to gels. Do not adjust the dose or combine formulations yourself.

Side effects

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and abdominal pain.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Increased liver enzymes.

Serious risks

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers or perforation; heart attack or stroke; hepatic or renal injury; and severe allergic or skin reactions can occur. Black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty or facial swelling require immediate help. Stop treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding and seek medical help. Report jaundice or reduced urine. This list is not exhaustive.

Online assessment for Voltaren (Diclofenac)

Prescrivia is a technology intermediary connecting patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. It does not provide medical services, prescribe, employ doctors, sell or dispense medicines.

1. Health assessment: Provide your symptoms, medical history and all current medicines for independent clinical assessment.
2. Doctor review: An independent doctor decides whether any treatment is appropriate. Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued.
3. Pharmacy responsibility: Any lawful dispensing is the responsibility of a licensed pharmacy, subject to the applicable prescription and national rules. This article does not establish product availability or a right to delivery.

In Spain, distance sale of prescription medicines is prohibited under Article 3.5 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2015. An online assessment does not remove this restriction. Access depends on the specific product and jurisdiction.

Important safety information

Do not take Voltaren if you:

• Have allergy to diclofenac or excipients, or asthma, urticaria, angioedema or rhinitis following aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Have active gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation, or previous NSAID-related gastrointestinal complications contraindicated in the label.
• Have active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, coagulation disorders, severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• Have NYHA class II–IV heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial or cerebrovascular disease.
• Are in the third trimester of pregnancy.

The label advises against use during breastfeeding. Seek advice before use if pregnant or trying to conceive; fetal risks also exist before the third trimester.

Tell your doctor about hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, previous ulcers, asthma, fluid retention or renal or hepatic disease. Prolonged treatment requires hepatic, renal and cardiovascular monitoring.

Interactions: anticoagulants, aspirin and other NSAIDs increase bleeding risk. Diclofenac can interact with lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, ciclosporin and CYP2C9 inhibitors. Disclose all medicines. Do not drive with dizziness or visual disturbances.

Sources

• AEMPS: Voltaren 50 mg gastrorresistente, ficha técnica
• BOE: Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2015, artículo 3.5

The update date records an editorial edit, not a clinical review. This information does not replace the product leaflet or individual advice from a qualified healthcare professional.