Voltaren Gel relieves pain from arthritis in certain joints, such as those of the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands. Voltaren Ge is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain.

Use Voltaren gel as prescribed by your doctor or as instructed on the packaging. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. 

Wash your hands after applying Voltaren gel unless you treat the skin on your hands. Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing or wearing gloves. Wait at least 1 hour before you bathe or shower.

Do not apply to an open skin wound or on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or expose it to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of diclofenac you absorb through your skin.

To treat osteoarthritis pain with Voltaren gel:

• Voltaren gel is supplied with dosing cards showing you how much gel to use for a 2-gram or 4-gram dose. Squeeze the gel onto this card along the line for your dose. Wipe the card directly onto the treatment area and rub it gently into the skin. Use no more gel that will fit your dosing line's length.

Before using Voltaren Gel, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, kidney problems,aspirin-sensitive asthma, liver disease, stomach/intestine problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, swelling, blood disorders, bleeding/clotting problems, growths in the nose (nasal polyps). This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you are allergic to it, aspirin or other NSAIDs or if you have any other allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

The most common side effects of Voltaren Gel include the following:

• heartburn,
• gas,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• stuffy nose,
• itching,
• increased sweating,
• increased blood pressure, and
• skin redness, itching, dryness, scaling or peeling where the medication was applied.

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

What is Voltaren gel used to treat?

Voltaren gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that temporarily reduces arthritis joint pain. And lessen joint pain brought on by osteoarthritis in the:

• Knees
• Feet
• Ankles
• Hands
• Wrists
• Elbows.

Is alcohol safe while on Voltaren Gel?

Stop smoking and drink in moderation. Smoking and drinking regularly while taking Voltaren Gel may make stomach bleeding more likely. 

Where shouldn’t you use Voltaren gel?

Don’t use Voltaren gel on your back, hips, or shoulders. 

Is Voltaren gel harmful to pregnant women?

Voltaren gel has the potential to harm an unborn child and interfere with normal labor and delivery. It is not advised to use it from 20 weeks of pregnancy till birth.

What should you avoid while using Voltaren Gel?

• Do not use cosmetics, sunscreen, lotions, insect repellant, or other medicated skin products on the same area you treat with Voltaren Gel.
• Avoid exposing treated skin to heat, sunlight, or tanning beds.
• Avoid getting Voltaren Gel near your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.