Voltarol Emulgel Pain Relieving 1% Diclofenac Gel

• Adults and young people aged 14 and over: gently rub a small amount of gel (about the size of a cherry to a walnut, depending on the area) into the skin over the painful or swollen area, up to 3 to 4 times a day.
• Wipe off any excess with a paper towel and wash your hands afterwards, unless your hands are the area being treated.
• Let the gel dry for a few minutes before putting on a bandage. Do not cover it with an airtight dressing.
• Do not use for more than 7 days. If your symptoms have not improved within 7 days, or get worse, see your doctor.
• If you forget an application, apply it when you remember. Do not apply extra to make up for it.
• Not for children under 14.

Safety information

Who should not use it

Do not use if you are allergic to diclofenac or any of the ingredients; if you have ever had an allergic reaction (such as asthma, wheezing, hives, a runny nose or swelling) after taking diclofenac, ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs); in the last three months of pregnancy; or on children under 14.

Warnings & precautions

For use on the skin only. Do not apply to broken or damaged skin, cuts, open wounds, rashes or eczema, and keep it away from the eyes, the inside of the nose and the mouth. Do not swallow. Do not use on large areas of skin or for longer than recommended unless a doctor advises it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have, or have had, a stomach ulcer or bleeding, kidney or liver problems, a bleeding disorder, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease. Stop using it if a skin rash develops. Treated skin may be more sensitive to sunlight, so take care with sunbathing and sunbeds. Flammable: do not smoke or go near naked flames, as clothing, bedding and dressings with gel on them catch fire more easily. Washing reduces but may not remove it. Contains propylene glycol and benzyl benzoate (in the perfume), which may cause skin irritation.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in the last three months of pregnancy. In the first six months, only use it on your doctor's advice, at the lowest amount for the shortest time. If you are breastfeeding, only use it on medical advice, and do not apply it to the breasts, to large areas of skin, or for a long time.

Possible side effects

Common side effects are a skin rash, itching, redness or stinging where the gel is applied. Rarely a blistering rash, and very rarely a pustular rash or increased sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn, itching, swelling or blistering). Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you have hives or a blistering rash, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Always read the label

This is a medicine. Always read the label and patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Diclofenac diethylammonium 1.16% w/w, equivalent to diclofenac sodium 1% w/w (10mg per gram). Also contains propylene glycol (50mg per gram), perfume containing benzyl benzoate (1mg per gram) and isopropyl alcohol.

Voltarol Emulgel 1% w/w Gel Patient Information Leaflet