Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Voltaren (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Voltaren. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Voltaren. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Voltaren can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
What is Voltaren?
Voltaren is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Voltaren works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Voltaren is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Voltaren may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Voltaren?
Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Voltaren, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Voltaren:
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
liver or kidney disease,
asthma;
polyps in your nose;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
if you smoke.
