Voltaren, also known as diclofenac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. While it can be an effective medication, Voltaren is not appropriate for everyone. Understanding when you should avoid taking Voltaren is important.
What is Voltaren?
Voltaren contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium. It works by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes, which helps decrease inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Voltaren is available as both prescription and over-the-counter formulations:
- Prescription Voltaren is used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.
- Over-the-counter Voltaren gel, pills, and cream are approved for minor arthritis joint pain.
Voltaren comes in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid gel, suppositories, and topical gel or cream. The dosage depends on the formulation and reason for use.
Who should not take Voltaren?
While Voltaren can help many people manage pain, it is not appropriate for everyone. You should avoid Voltaren if:
- You are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
- You have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
- You have a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
- You have severe liver, kidney, or heart disease
- You are in the third trimester of pregnancy
- You are taking certain medications that interact with Voltaren (see drug interactions below)
Voltaren should also be used cautiously in people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal bleeding. Always tell your doctor about any medical conditions and medications you take before starting Voltaren.
Voltaren drug interactions
Diclofenac can interact with several types of medications. Taking Voltaren with these drugs increases your risk of side effects.
Types of medications that should not be taken with Voltaren include:
- Anticoagulants like warfarin
- Antiplatelets like clopidogrel
- Oral diabetes drugs
- Diuretics or “water pills”
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
Voltaren can also interact with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, SSRIs, and certain heart and blood pressure medications. It’s crucial to review all your medications with your doctor before starting Voltaren.
Voltaren side effects
Along with its intended effects, Voltaren may cause some unwanted side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Skin rash and itching
More serious side effects are possible with Voltaren use. Seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in vomit, stools, or urine
- Shortness of breath, wheezing
- Vision changes
- Yellowing skin or eyes
- Chest pain or tightness
- Weakness, slurred speech, confusion
Voltaren can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver damage, fluid retention, and kidney problems. The longer you take Voltaren, the greater the risk of side effects.
Who needs extra precautions with Voltaren?
Some people should take extra care if using Voltaren:
- Older adults – Increased risk of side effects like stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
- People with heart disease – Diclofenac may worsen heart failure, increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
- People with liver disease – Can worsen liver dysfunction, cause fluid retention.
- People with kidney disease – May further deteriorate kidney function.
- People with high blood pressure – Voltaren can increase blood pressure.
- People with GI conditions – Increased chance of gastric ulcers and bleeding.
Lower doses and extra monitoring are recommended in these populations. Never exceed the recommended Voltaren dosage.
When to avoid Voltaren during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Voltaren should be avoided in pregnancy, especially the third trimester. Diclofenac may cause issues like:
- Congenital disabilities
- Premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus blood vessel
- Miscarriage
- Delayed and prolonged labor
Voltaren passes into breast milk in small amounts. While it’s likely safe for most breastfeeding women, talk to your doctor first. Premature or newborn infants should not be exposed to Voltaren through breastfeeding.
Safe use tips for Voltaren
If you and your doctor determine that Voltaren is appropriate for your situation, keep these safe use tips in mind:
- Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
- Do not take more than your prescribed dose.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Voltaren.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Get regular blood tests if taking long-term.
- Watch for signs of stomach bleeding and ulcers.
- Use care when driving or operating machinery until you know how Voltaren affects you.
Talk to your doctor right away if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days or they get worse. Seek immediate help if you experience any concerning side effects.
The risks of long-term Voltaren use
Because of its safety profile, Voltaren is usually only intended for short-term use of a week or two. Using Voltaren long-term carries additional risks like:
- Heart attack and stroke
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention and edema
- Increased infection risk
Studies show that taking any NSAID like Voltaren for longer than 30 days leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Long-term use can also increase your risk of life-threatening gastrointestinal complications.
If you need frequent or long-term pain relief, consider exploring safer alternatives to discuss with your doctor. Some options may include topical treatments, physical therapy, yoga and exercises, massage, acupuncture, heating pads, and managing your weight.
Alternatives to Voltaren
For pain and inflammation relief, there are several alternatives that may be safer than Voltaren for long-term use. Some options include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Not an NSAID, less GI and kidney risks
- Topical NSAIDs – Applied to skin over painful joints
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) – An SNRI that helps with diabetic nerve pain
- Capsaicin cream – Made from chili peppers, helps relieve joint pain
- Therapeutic exercise and physical therapy
- Weight loss – Takes pressure off joints
- Braces, splints, hot/cold therapy
- Complementary treatments like massage, acupuncture
Talk to your doctor about alternatives to Voltaren that may work for your situation with less risks. Many safer options don’t require taking oral prescription medications long-term.
Warning signs to stop taking Voltaren
If you experience any of the following warning signs while taking Voltaren, stop use right away and seek emergency medical care:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Sudden blurry vision
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe headache
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or legs
These may be signs of a serious complication that needs urgent treatment. Do not take any more Voltaren until evaluated by a doctor. Seek help as soon as possible if you develop any concerning or unusual symptoms while taking this medication.
Conclusion
Voltaren can provide effective short-term relief for arthritis pain and inflammation when used correctly. However, it’s not safe for everyone and Voltaren risks tend to go up the longer it is used. Have a discussion with your doctor about your medical history and all medications you take to determine if using Voltaren is appropriate for you.
Avoid Voltaren if you have allergies, bleeding disorders, kidney/liver disease, heart disease, or are pregnant. Interactions with blood thinners, diabetes drugs, water pills, and other NSAIDs can also occur. Voltaren is intended for short-term use of 1-2 weeks only.
Be cautious with Voltaren if you have risk factors like old age, hypertension, or GI conditions. Follow dosage instructions carefully and watch for concerning side effects. There are also alternatives like topical NSAIDs, acetaminophen, exercise therapy, and complementary medicine that may provide similar pain relief with less risks.