Voltarol

VOLTAROL EMULGEL

Voltarol® 1%
(diclofenac diethylammonium)

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it
contains important information for you.
-Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
-If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
-This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not
pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their
symptoms are the same as yours.
-If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice
any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell
your doctor or pharmacist.
-The name of your medicine is Voltarol 1% Emulgel but
will be referred to as Voltarol Emulgel throughout this
leaflet.

 Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Voltarol Emulgel P can cause side
effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some rare and very rare side effects might be serious
If you experience any of the following signs of allergy, STOP
using Voltarol Emulgel P and tell a doctor or pharmacist
immediately:
Skin rash with blisters; hives (may affect between 1 and
10 in every 10,000 people).
Wheezing, shortness of breath or feeling of tightness in the
chest (asthma) (may affect less than 1 in every 10,000 people).
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may affect less
than 1 in every 10,000 people).
Other side effects which may occur are usually mild,
passing and harmless (if you are concerned, tell a doctor
or pharmacist).
Common side effects (may affect between 1 and 10 in
every 100 people)
Skin rash, itching, reddening or smarting of the skin
Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 in every
10,000 people)
the skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Possible signs
are sunburn with itching, swelling and blistering.
Some side effects have unknown frequency (cannot be
estimated from available information): local application
site irritation, skin discolouration.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist
or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed
in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects
directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more
information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store Voltarol Emulgel P

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not store above 30°C. The dispenser is a pressurised
container, protect from direct sunlight and do not pierce or
burn even when empty.
Do not use Voltarol Emulgel P after the expiry date stated
on the carton and tube, or dispenser.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or
household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of
medicines no longer required. These measures will help to
protect the environment.

Further information

What Voltarol Emulgel P contains

The active substance is diclofenac diethylammonium (1.16%)
equivalent to 1g of diclofenac sodium in each 100g of gel.
The other ingredients are diethylamine, isopropyl alcohol,
liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, perfume (containing benzyl
benzoate), carbomer, macrogol cetostearyl ether, cocoyl
caprylocaprate, purified water (see end of Section 2
‘Important information about some of the ingredients of
Voltarol Emulgel P’ for propylene glycol).

What Voltarol Emulgel P looks like and contents of the pack

Voltarol Emulgel P is a white, cooling, non-greasy,
non-staining cream-like gel, packed inside an aluminium
or aluminium laminated tube with plastic screw cap, or in
a pressurised dispenser. This is supplied in a carton and
comes in packs of 10, 30, 50 g, 75ml and 100g (not all
pack sizes may be marketed).

Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer

Novartis Consumer Health, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3YL, UK.
This leaflet was last approved in December 2015
72

How to use Voltarol Emulgel P

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this
leaflet or as your pharmacist has told you. You should
check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Adults and adolescents 14 years and over:
Before using for the first time, open as follows:
• aluminium tube: Unscrew cap and pierce the aluminium seal
with the spiked top of the cap. Do not use if seal is broken.
• laminated tube: Unscrew cap and remove. Reverse the
cap, engage with the nozzle, twist and remove the
plastic seal from the tube. Do not use if seal is broken.
• dispenser: Remove the lid from the top of the dispenser.

How to apply:

Gently squeeze out a small amount of gel from the tube or press
firmly and evenly on the nozzle of the dispenser and apply
to the painful or swollen area, slowly rubbing into the skin.

When and how much to use:

• Apply 3 to 4 times a day. Allow at least 4 hours between
applications of the gel. Do not apply more than 4 times
in any 24 hour period.
• The amount needed will vary depending on the size of the
painful or swollen area; an amount ranging in size from a
1 penny to a 2 pence piece (2 to 4g) will usually be sufficient.
• You may notice a slight cooling effect when you rub the gel in.
• Only use the smallest amount of Voltarol Emulgel P
needed to relieve your pain but never use more than
16g per day and 112g in one week.
How and where to use:
• You can apply the gel to a maximum of 2 joints (such as
your knees or elbows). If you need to apply it to more
than 2 joints, consult your doctor.