Its molecular formula is C14H10Cl2NNaO2, and it has the following chemical structure: Many people, including some health professionals, believe that the skin is a great barrier to topical drugs. … They monitored me for 6 or 7 hours until my blood pressure returned to normal. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Following is a list of possible medication recalls, market withdrawals, alerts and warnings. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while using Voltaren Gel. Commonly sold as Voltaren, diclofenac is available in a number of brands and is as dangerous as the arthritis drug Vioxx according to the author of the study. The oral NSAIDs took quite a toll on my digestive system so when my knee began to trouble me, I opted for Voltaren Gel which I applied on a few occasions in a three-week period.âIt didnât really relieve the knee pain and I stopped using it. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. I was told it was safe. I have applied it only three times to my knees, and I am now suffering from acid reflux and a burning sensation in my digestive tract. prescription NSAID gels or patches using diclofenac (Voltaren gel) ... over-the-counter NSAID and a prescription NSAID) are in the same therapeutic drug class. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." The molecular weight is 318.14. Diclofenac epolamine is contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. O 03. Even a topical gel appears to trigger serious adverse reactions. You can learn about these in our Share your own experience with topical NSAIDs like Voltargen Gel in the comment section below. Join our daily email newsletter with breaking health news, prescription drug information, home remedies AND you'll get a copy of our brand new full-length health guide â for FREE!We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.Many people think that what goes on the skin stays on the skin? The systemic absorption of Voltaren Gel, which is 1 percent diclofenac sodium in a topical gel formulation, is 94 percent less than oral diclofenac.2 That means the risk of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects that's associated with oral NSAIDs is considerably less with the topical formulation. The FDA Alert(s) below may be specifically about Voltaren Gel or relate to a group or class of drugs which include Voltaren Gel (diclofenac). They assume that only a little bit of the medicine gets into the blood stream. NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. The risk is greater in older people, and in people who have had stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding before. The FDA has warned that both oral and topical NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) can lead to edema and hypertension. These side effects would clear up within a day or two after discontinuing use of the product.âFor every message about the side effects of Voltaren Gel we probably have 10 that sing the drugâs praises. I never used Voltaren Gel again and had no further chest pain.ââMy orthopedic doctor prescribed generic Voltaren Gel for my knee pain because I cannot take oral NSAIDs. Voltaren, even topical, can cause some serious side effects.Topical Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel provides diclofenac to the area of inflammation. A. Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is now available without a prescription. I am upset that my doctor thought this medication would be safe for me.ââI was prescribed Voltaren Gel for treatment of persistent groin pain related to a running injury. We have heard from many people who really value this topical NSAID. However, using the gel caused the same problems in both me and my neighbor. Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. Taking two different NSAIDs is dangerous—it can increase the risk of undesirable side effects and serious adverse events. What are the side effects of Voltaren Gel? These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Voltaren Topical (diclofenac topical)." If I only use a small amount, occasionally, the symptoms are mild, but it really doesnât do much for relief.ââI used oral NSAIDs for several years before giving in to arthritic pain and having hip replacements. Endo Laboratories LLC, Chadds Ford, PA. 5. The chemical name is 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) amino]benzene- acetic acid, monosodium salt. This medicine may raise the chance of severe and sometimes deadly stomach or bowel problems like ulcers or bleeding. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." We have learned, however, that the skin is After three weeks, however, I suddenly developed swelling in that leg. It appears to us that topical NSAIDs are not absorbed into the blood stream to the same extent as oral formulations. Pennsaid (diclofenac topical)."