Patient Counselling
· The gel has been formulated to be rubbed into the skin to relieve acute pain affecting the joints and muscles.
· It can be applied 3-4 times a day for adults and adolescents 16 years and older.
· To use, a small amount of the gel should be gently rubbed into the skin where there is pain or swelling.
· The amount needed depends on the size of the affected area.
· Patients should wash their hands after applying the gel.
· The gel should not be used for more than 7 days unless recommended by the physician.
· The gel should not be applied to cuts, open wounds, rashes, or skin that has eczema, and should not be swallowed.
· Common side effects include itching, redness, and irritation at the site of application.
· If patients experience GI discomfort, blistering of skin where gel is applied, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction, the medication should be discontinued immediately and the patient should contact his or her physician or pharmacist.
· Patients should not use the gel if: currently taking another oral NSAID or if they have a previous allergy to NSAIDs or ASA.
· Before using the gel, patients should speak to their pharmacist or physician if they have a history of stomach ulcers or take medications for GI disorders, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
· Patients should consult their pharmacist about concomitant medications before starting this medication.
References
1. e-Therapeutics+, e-CPS Drug Monographs: Voltaren Emulgel/Voltaren Emulgel Joint Pain. Canadian Pharmacists' Association. August 2010.
· The gel has been formulated to be rubbed into the skin to relieve acute pain affecting the joints and muscles.
· It can be applied 3-4 times a day for adults and adolescents 16 years and older.
· To use, a small amount of the gel should be gently rubbed into the skin where there is pain or swelling.
· The amount needed depends on the size of the affected area.
· Patients should wash their hands after applying the gel.
· The gel should not be used for more than 7 days unless recommended by the physician.
· The gel should not be applied to cuts, open wounds, rashes, or skin that has eczema, and should not be swallowed.
· Common side effects include itching, redness, and irritation at the site of application.
· If patients experience GI discomfort, blistering of skin where gel is applied, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction, the medication should be discontinued immediately and the patient should contact his or her physician or pharmacist.
· Patients should not use the gel if: currently taking another oral NSAID or if they have a previous allergy to NSAIDs or ASA.
· Before using the gel, patients should speak to their pharmacist or physician if they have a history of stomach ulcers or take medications for GI disorders, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
· Patients should consult their pharmacist about concomitant medications before starting this medication.
References
1. e-Therapeutics+, e-CPS Drug Monographs: Voltaren Emulgel/Voltaren Emulgel Joint Pain. Canadian Pharmacists' Association. August 2010.