Voltaren Gel contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Voltaren Gel is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet.

Voltaren Gel may not be effective in treating arthritis pain elsewhere in the body.

You should not use Voltaren Gel if you have ever had asthma or a severe allergic reaction caused by aspirin, diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Voltaren Gel, especially in older adults.

Use Voltaren Gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands after applying Voltaren Gel, unless you are treating the skin on your hands. Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing or wearing gloves. Wait at least 1 hour before you bathe or shower.

Do not apply to an open skin wound, or on areas of infection, rash, burn.Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or expose it to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of diclofenac you absorb through your skin.

To treat osteoarthritis pain with Voltaren Gel: This medicine is supplied with dosing cards that show you how much gel to use for a 2-gram dose or a 4-gram dose. Squeeze the gel onto this card along the line for your dose. Use no more gel than will fit on the length of your dosing line. Wipe the card directly onto the treatment area and rub gently into the skin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or bowels.

Serious skin reactions can occur during treatment with this medicine.

Some possible warning signs of serious side effects that can occur during treatment with this medicine may include black, tarry stools, decreased urination, severe stomach pain, skin rash, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weight gain, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, or yellow skin or eyes

Stop using Voltaren Gel and call your doctor at once if you have:

- The first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

- Shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your arms or legs;

- Signs of stomach bleeding - diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

- Liver problems - upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

- Kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

- High blood pressure - severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, confusion;

- Low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or

- Severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

- Bleeding problems

- Diabetes

- Dry eye syndrome, other eye problems, or recent eye surgery

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Wear soft contact lenses

- An unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant

- Breast-feeding

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused eye solution after one month.