Joint pain and arthritis pain are a very annoying thing for many people, regardless of age, right? When the joints of the knees, elbows, and hands hurt, you can't even do your daily tasks properly. At times like this, your doctor may have told you to use a gel containing Diclofenac. You may have seen this under names like Voltaren Gel. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it properly, and the most important things to be careful about.
What exactly is Diclofenac Gel?
Simply put, Diclofenac is a pain and swelling reliever . It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . You may have heard of drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen , which are also in the same family. However, this is not a pill that you take, but a gel that you apply to the skin where the pain is. Since it works directly on the painful joint, it can reduce some of the side effects that come with taking pills.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. If you have any of the following medical conditions or problems, you should definitely tell your doctor before using Diclofenac Gel .
| Problem type | Situations you should report |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | – If you have had a heart attack or heart disease in the past – If you have heart failure – If you have high blood pressure – If you have recently had heart bypass surgery (CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) |
| Intestinal and bleeding | – If you have had ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines – If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin) – If you have bleeding disorders |
| Other medical conditions | – Kidney disease – Liver disease – Asthma or other respiratory diseases – Anemia – Skin diseases or skin sensitivities – If there is a large area of skin that is burned or damaged |
| Other points | – If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant – If you are a breastfeeding mother – If you are allergic to Diclofenac, Aspirin or any other NSAID – If you drink alcohol or smoke frequently – If you are taking steroid medications such as Prednisone |
How exactly do you use this?
This is very simple, but it must be followed exactly.
- This is only for drinking, not drinking! This is for external use only.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the gel. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Do not apply to eyes, mouth, nose, or other areas with wounds .If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
- Apply only the amount the doctor recommends, like a thin film, to the painful area. Applying too much will not make the pain go away quickly.
- Do not apply more than the number of times your doctor tells you to (e.g., if 3 times a day, only 3 times).
- Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have used more gel than you think, immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Special warnings to be aware of during use
Pay special attention to this part.
Although Diclofenac Gel is generally a safe medication, it can sometimes cause serious problems. So be aware of these symptoms.
Be careful of stomach inflammation and bleeding!
NSAIDs can damage the lining of the stomach, causing ulcers and bleeding. This can happen without warning . Smoking , drinking alcohol, getting older and having poor health can increase your risk. If you have severe stomach pain, vomit blood or vomit something brown like coffee grounds, or pass black, tarry stools , stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
This medicine does not prevent heart attacks or strokes. In fact, using this medicine for a long time, especially if you already have heart disease, may slightly increase your risk of heart attacks or strokes. If you are taking medications such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks, you should talk to your doctor before using this gel.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be especially careful!
This is very important.
- After 30 weeks of pregnancy: For no reasonDo not use this medicine. It may harm the baby.
- Between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy: Since using the drug during this time may harm the baby, it should only be used if absolutely necessary and under the close supervision of a doctor.
- If you are trying to get pregnant: This medicine may affect your ability to get pregnant, so talk to your doctor about it.
Other points
- Do not take other pain relievers (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen while using this medicine. Doing so may increase side effects.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking the medicine. Therefore, be careful when driving or operating machinery.
Side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Learn more about them in the table below.
– Stomach upset, nausea
– Loss of appetite
– Slight burning or itching at the application site
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or blood, red/dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Heart attack/partial symptoms | Severe pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing, sudden difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, numbness in the face/hand/leg. |
| Symptoms of kidney/liver damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of ankles/hands/feet, yellowing of eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Serious skin reactions | Red, itchy skin rashes with fever and flu-like symptoms, which later turn into blisters or peeling skin. |
Take-Home Message
- Before using Diclofenac Gel, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart, stomach, and kidney disease).
- Apply only as much and as often as your doctor has prescribed, in a thin film. Never use more.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood, or chest pain, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
- If you are pregnant, especially after 20 weeks, you should be very careful about using this medicine and only act on medical advice.
- Avoid taking other painkillers such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen while using this medicine.
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