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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Using Voltaren Gel?

I have a bad knee ( meniscus tear 11 years ago) and it is very painful now ( on and off over the years), the last three days I have used Voltaren gel on my knee and it really helped the pain. But now I read of all the side effects and it is worrisome. I am 68 years old , overweight but low blood pressure and low cholesterol.
Wed, 12 Apr 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns.

Voltaren is Diclofenac, which is a NSAID – a painkiller. Diclofenac is available in tablet and gel forms.

The tablet form if used for a considerable time causes side effects like gastritis, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, raised blood pressure, fluid retention etc.

The amount of diclofenac in the gel form is minimal and also the metabolism of the drug which is absorbed through the skin is different to the drug which is absorbed from the stomach.

Further, you would be applying only a small amount of gel on your knees.

So, I would not really worry about the harmful effects of Voltaren gel. If it is causing you pain relief, and as long as you have not seen any irritating skin rash on your knees due to the application, you can apply the gel on your knees 2-3 times/day on and off.

You could also take Paracetamol tablet 500-1000 mg twice/thrice a day (provided you are not allergic to it and you do not have any liver problems) for the pain. Paracetamol is a safe tablet.

I hope this answer has been helpful to you.

Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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What Are The Side Effects Of Using Voltaren Gel?

Hello, Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns. Voltaren is Diclofenac, which is a NSAID – a painkiller. Diclofenac is available in tablet and gel forms. The tablet form if used for a considerable time causes side effects like gastritis, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, raised blood pressure, fluid retention etc. The amount of diclofenac in the gel form is minimal and also the metabolism of the drug which is absorbed through the skin is different to the drug which is absorbed from the stomach. Further, you would be applying only a small amount of gel on your knees. So, I would not really worry about the harmful effects of Voltaren gel. If it is causing you pain relief, and as long as you have not seen any irritating skin rash on your knees due to the application, you can apply the gel on your knees 2-3 times/day on and off. You could also take Paracetamol tablet 500-1000 mg twice/thrice a day (provided you are not allergic to it and you do not have any liver problems) for the pain. Paracetamol is a safe tablet. I hope this answer has been helpful to you. Regards Dr Sunita Sayammagaru