What is Voltaren Emulgel and when is it used?

Voltaren Emulgel contains the active ingredient Diclofenac, which belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs).

Voltaren Emulgel has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and, thanks to the water-alcoholic base, has a soothing, cooling effect.

Voltaren Emulgel is used for the external treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling in:

• Injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, e.g. sprains, bruises, strains or back pain after sport or an accident;
• Localized forms of soft tissue rheumatism, e.g. tendonitis (tennis elbow), shoulder hand syndrome, bursitis, periarthropathies;
• and for the symptomatic therapy of arthrosis of small and medium-sized joints that are close to the skin, such as finger joints or knees.

Voltaren Emulgel is for Intended for use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.

When should Voltaren Emulgel not be used?

Voltaren Emulgel should not be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient diclofenac or other analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic substances (especially acetylsalicylic acid /aspirin and ibuprofen) as well as hypersensitivity to one of the excipients (e.g. propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol; for a full list of excipients, see the section "What does Voltaren Emulgel contain?"). Such hypersensitivity is manifested, for example, by wheezing or shortness of breath (asthma), breathing difficulties, skin rash with blistering, hives, swelling of the face and tongue, runny nose.

Voltaren Emulgel must not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy (see also «Can Voltaren Emulgel be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?»).

When is caution required when using Voltaren Emulgel?

• Voltaren Emulgel must not be applied to open skin wounds (e.g. after abrasions, cuts) or to damaged skin ( e.g. eczema, skin rashes).
• Stop treatment immediately if a skin rash occurs after using the preparation.
• Voltaren Emulgel should not be applied to large areas for a long time, unless because on medical prescription.
• Eyes and mucous membranes should not come into contact with the preparation. If this does happen, rinse your eyes thoroughly with tap water and inform your doctor if the symptoms persist. Do not take the medicine. Wash hands after use, except when treating the finger joints (see also «How do you use Voltaren Emulgel?»).

Voltaren Emulgel must not be used with an airtight bandage (occlusive bandage). Information on the excipients

Voltaren Emulgel contains propylene glycol (E 1520) and benzyl benzoate: propylene glycol may cause skin irritation. Benzyl benzoate may cause local irritation.

Voltaren Emulgel contains thick paraffin. Materials (clothing, bedding, bandages, etc.) that have come into contact with the preparation are more flammable and pose a fire hazard with the risk of severe burns. Do not smoke or go near open flames during use become. Even washing clothes and bedding does not completely remove paraffin.

This medicine contains a fragrance with linalool, benzyl alcohol, geraniol, citronellol, benzyl benzoate, coumarin, citral, eugenol. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you have previously had allergic symptoms after using similar preparations ("rheumatism ointments") if you

• suffer from other diseases,
• have allergies or
• use other medicines (including those you bought yourself!).

Can Voltaren Emulgel be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Voltaren Emulgel must not be used during the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy or while breastfeeding, unless on express medical prescription.

Voltaren Emulgel must not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby or cause problems during delivery.

If you are planning to become pregnant, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist or druggist for advice before use.

How do you use Voltaren Emulgel?

The preparation is for external use only.

Adults and adolescents from the age of 12

Depending on the size of the painful or swollen areas or areas to be treated, an amount of 2-4 g Voltaren Emulgel (amount the size of a cherry to a walnut) applied, rubbed in lightly or massaged in for muscle pain.

After use:

• Wipe hands with a dry paper towel, then wash hands well, except when treating fingers. Dispose of the paper towel with household waste.
• Before showering or bathing, you should wait until the Emulgel has dried on your skin.

You should consider treatment with Voltaren Emulgel forgotten, make up for the application as soon as possible. Do not apply double the amount to make up for the forgotten treatment.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if your symptoms have not improved after a week. Voltaren Emulgel should not be used for more than 2 weeks without a doctor's prescription. Use the preparation for the shortest time necessary, applying no more than necessary.

Children under the age of 12

The use and safety of Voltaren Emulgel in children under the age of 12 has not yet been systematically tested. Its use is therefore not recommended.

If you or your child swallow Voltaren Emulgel (accidentally), contact your doctor immediately.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Voltaren Emulgel have?

The following side effects can occur when using Voltaren Emulgel: Some rare or very rare side effects can be serious.

If any of the following side effects occur, stop taking Voltaren Emulgel and tell your doctor immediately:

• rash with blisters, hives;
• wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tightness in the chest (asthma);
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat.

These other side effects are usually mild and temporary:

• Common (affects 1 to 10 users in 100): rash, itching, redness burning sensation of the skin.
• Very rare (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people treated): skin rash with pustules, increased sensitivity to sunlight. Signs of this are sunburn with itching, swelling and blistering.

If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This also applies in particular to side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

What else needs to be considered?

Shelf life

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked on the container with « EXP» can be used.

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

Keep out of the reach of children.

Further information

Voltaren Emulgel should not be used near an open flame or heat.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater (e.g. not down the toilet or sink). This helps protect the environment.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Voltaren Emulgel contain?

Active ingredient

100 g Voltaren Emulgel contain:

1.16 g diclofenac diethylamine, equivalent to 1 g diclofenac sodium.

Excipients

Carbomers, cocoyl caprylocaprate, diethylamine, isopropyl alcohol, macrogolcetostearyl ether, viscous paraffin, propylene glycol (E 1520), fragrance (contains linalool, benzyl alcohol, geraniol, citronellol, benzyl benzoate, coumarin, citral, eugenol), purified water.

Approval number

47344 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Voltaren Emulgel? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Tubes of 50 and 100 g.

Authorization holder

GSK Consumer Healthcare Schweiz AG, Risch.

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in December 2022.