The cost of a tube of Voltaren can depend on the size of the tube, as well as the strength of the medication and where it is purchased. A 100g tube of Voltaren 1% gel usually costs between $20 and $25, while a 30g tube of Voltaren 2.
32% gel typically costs around $14. Prices can also vary depending on where you purchase the medication, such as at a pharmacy or online. You should check with your pharmacist to get an exact price for the product you’re looking for.
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Why was Voltaren taken off the market?
Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) was voluntarily taken off the market by its manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, in April 2020 due to safety concerns posed by the drug’s active ingredient. Diclofenac belongs to the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that increase the risk for cardiovascular (heart) events and other serious side effects.
The safety concern of diclofenac being linked to cardiovascular events has been raised before when European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended it be restricted in 2015. This restriction meant that only higher doses of diclofenac for only short-term use should be available over-the-counter.
Following this safety alert, some countries, such as Germany and Australia, restricted the availability of diclofenac to prescription-only.
Recognizing the safety concerns posed by diclofenac, Novartis Pharmaceuticals voluntarily removed Voltaren from the market, withdrawing all the products containing diclofenac—Voltaren Emulgel, Voltaren Gel and Voltaren Osteo Gel—in an effort to protect the safety and wellbeing of their customers.
This decision also follows a recommendation from the EMA that diclofenac-containing products should no longer be available over-the-counter.
Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, have also been linked to cardiovascular effects, although the risk is considered to be lower than diclofenac. Nonetheless, if you have a history of heart problems, you are advised to speak to your doctor before taking any of these medications.
What size tubes does Voltaren come in?
Voltaren comes in tubes that come in either 30 g or 100 g. The specific tubes are 30 g tubes of 1% diclofenac sodium topical gel, and 100 g tubes of 1% diclofenac sodium topical gel. The 30 g tube is usually packaged with a disposable dosing card to assist in making sure the right amount of gel is used.
Additionally, there are prefilled syringes available that contain the same diclofenac sodium topical gel. This type of delivery may be helpful for those who have difficulty using the topical gel directly from the tube.
How many grams are in a tube of Voltaren Gel?
Voltaren Gel comes in two size tubes – 50g and 100g. The 50g tube contains 50g of the gel, and the 100g tube contains 100g of the gel. Each gram of Voltaren Gel contains 0. 6g of diclofenac sodium, which is the active ingredient.
Therefore, the 50g tube contains 30g of diclofenac sodium and the 100g tube contains 60g of diclofenac sodium.
Is there a generic substitute for Voltaren?
Yes, there is a generic substitute for Voltaren (diclofenac sodium). It is an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, that is used to reduce pain and swelling, as well as other symptoms caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Generic diclofenac sodium is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, gels, patches, and suppositories. It usually costs less than the brand-name version, Voltaren. Possible side effects of diclofenac sodium include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness.
Before taking this medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about any existing medical conditions or allergies, any medications you are taking, and any other important medical information.
Is over the counter Voltaren as strong as prescription?
No, over the counter Voltaren is not as strong as prescription Voltaren. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are weaker than those prescribed by a doctor. Over the counter Voltaren contains diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is weaker than the diclofenac sodium in prescription Voltaren.
Prescription Voltaren can contain up to three times the amount of diclofenac sodium as the over the counter medication. As a result, over the counter Voltaren is not as strong as the prescription version.
Over the counter versions of Voltaren are typically used to treat mild to moderate symptoms, while prescription versions are prescribed for more serious pain. It is important to follow the directions on the package and speak to your doctor before starting any new medications.
Why can’t you use Voltaren gel on your back?
It is not recommended to use Voltaren Gel on your back for several reasons. Firstly, Voltaren Gel is specifically designed to target arthritis pain and inflammation in localized joints such as your hands or knees.
It is not recommended to use it on larger or more complex areas of your body, such as your back. Secondly, as Voltaren Gel is designed for targeted and localized use, it’s not likely to effectively penetrate and reach the impacted areas of your back.
This means it would be unlikely to be effective in treating your back related symptoms. Lastly, using Voltaren Gel on your back may increase your risk of side effects, including those associated with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as stomach ulcers, bleeding and heart attack.
Therefore, it is advised to seek other treatment options if you need to address your back related symptoms.
What is similar to Voltaren cream?
Voltaren cream is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild-to-moderate pain. Its active ingredient is diclofenac sodium, a type of NSAID that is believed to offer pain relief by blocking the body’s production of inflammation-related chemicals.
Including Aspercreme, pennsaid, Flector Patch and Peledene gel. All of these medications contain diclofenac sodium or the related ingredient diclofenac potassium, both of which are considered effective at reducing pain and inflammation.
Additionally, some products may contain ingredients such as menthol, camphor and/or lidocaine to provide additional pain relief. It is important to note that use of these over-the-counter medications can also cause side effects, so prior to using any of these medications, it is important to read the product label and speak with a health care provider.
Is there an over the counter equivalent to diclofenac?
No, there is not an over the counter equivalent to diclofenac. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is only available by prescription. Diclofenac is used to treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to, pain, inflammation, and fever.
If you need relief from one of these symptoms and think diclofenac may be the right medication for you, consult your doctor and discuss the risks and benefits. There are some over the counter medications that can provide relief from pain, fever and inflammation, but they all work differently and come with potential risks and side effects.
It is important to speak with your doctor before starting any new medication.
Is Voltaren gel the same as diclofenac gel?
No, Voltaren gel and diclofenac gel are not the same. Both are topical gels that contain the same active ingredient, diclofenac, but diclofenac gel is an over-the-counter treatment while Voltaren gel requires a prescription.
Voltaren gel is typically more potent than diclofenac gel and contains emulgents, which help to improve its consistency. Additionally, the two gels may have different inactive ingredients, which can affect their safety and efficacy.
Voltaren gel should only be used as prescribed and applied to the skin, while diclofenac gel may be used in a variety of ways, including direct application, massaging the sore area, and using the gel as an ingredient for baths and compresses.
Is there a generic for diclofenac gel?
No, there is not a generic version of diclofenac gel available in the United States. Diclofenac gel is a brand-name topical medication used to treat pain caused by tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis.
It is available over the counter in the form of a gel or patch. While it can be an effective treatment for arthritis-related pain, it does not come in a generic form, which means that any version sold has the same active ingredient, diclofenac, and the same dosage.
That said, consumers should be aware that some diclofenac gels may have other ingredients, such as lidocaine or capsaicin, which may increase their effectiveness. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Is Voltaren Gel 3% over the counter?
No, Voltaren Gel 3% is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat numerous forms of arthritis, as well as other conditions. The active ingredient in Voltaren Gel 3% is diclofenac, and due to its potential for side effects, it requires a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional in order to obtain it.
Therefore, Voltaren Gel 3% is not available over the counter.
Is there an alternative to Voltaren Gel?
Yes, there are a few alternatives to Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) that can be used to provide relief for pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common form of treatment for this type of pain and inflammation and include ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen.
These can be taken orally in pill form or may also be available as a topical gel or cream. Aceclofenac is another NSAID that is also available as a topical gel. Another option is salicylate-containing topical creams such as Aspercreme.
Last, cetylated fatty acids, such as FlexLEX, have been found to be effective in relieving joint pain and inflammation.
What can I use instead of diclofenac gel?
One possible alternative to diclofenac gel is topical capsaicin cream. Capsaicin cream, derived from chili peppers, can be used to help relieve muscular and joint pain. Capsaicin works by causing the body to release its natural pain relievers, just like diclofenac gel.
Common side effects of capsaicin cream may include a burning sensation at the site of application and skin irritation. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any alternative to diclofenac gel.
Other types of topical pain relief such as lidocaine, tiger balm, or menthol-containing creams may be alternative options as well. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any adverse effects from these topical solutions, or if the relief provided by any alternative to diclofenac gel is inadequate.
Can diclofenac gel be bought over the counter?
No, diclofenac gel is not available to purchase over the counter. Diclofenac gel is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. It is available as an over-the-counter or prescription medication, depending on the strength needed.
The gel is usually applied to the affected area two or three times per day, and it usually takes seven days to start working. The gel is not suitable for children, and is not recommended for people with existing conditions such as asthma, stomach ulcers or heart disease.
For these reasons, diclofenac gel must be prescribed by a doctor, and is not legally available to buy over the counter.
