About Voltaren

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Voltaren.

Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat joint pain and inflammation that occurs with diseases like arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Before taking Voltaren, patients should disclose all other medications they are currently taking to their physician. In addition, patients with certain clinical characteristics may need a dose modification or physical evaluation before they can safely take Voltaren.

Side effects associated with Voltaren are generally mild, but serious adverse events do occur. Patients that experience any of the following side effects while taking Voltaren should contact a physician immediately:

• Signs of cardiovascular distress including chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, and problems with vision or balance
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Changes in urinary habits
• Substantial changes in gastrointestinal health
• Jaundice
• Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe skin rash
• Bruising, intense tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness
• Neck stiffening, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure
• Allergic reaction

Taking an NSAID can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, therefore, Voltaren should not be used before or after heart bypass surgery. NSAIDs can also elevate the risk of serious gastrointestinal issues. Patients should call their physician immediately if they have symptoms of stomach or intestinal bleeding. Patients taking Voltaren should also avoid alcohol since it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Those with a history of allergic reaction to NSAIDs should not take Voltaren, and all patients should be instructed to seek emergency medical help if they have any signs of an allergic reaction. In addition, other NSAIDs should not be used at the same time as Voltaren.

What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is the generic form of Voltaren and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Diclofenac.