Voltarol

Voltarol is Haleon's range of diclofenac pain relief, applied directly to the skin where it hurts.

Pain relief with Voltarol

Voltarol gels and medicated plasters are applied directly to the skin where it hurts. Every Voltarol medicine contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Diclofenac works mainly by blocking the production of prostaglandins.

Which Voltarol product suits you depends on where the pain is, what's causing it, and whether you'd rather use a gel or a plaster.

General sale 1.16% gel Age 14+
  • Used for: pain and inflammation from sprains, strains and bruises, and localised soft tissue rheumatism
  • How often: 3 to 4 times a day, at least 4 hours apart
  • Also available: with a No Mess Applicator
Pharmacy medicine 1.16% gel Age 14+
  • Used for: the same muscle and joint injuries, and the relief of pain of non-serious arthritic conditions
  • How often: 3 to 4 times a day, at least 4 hours apart
Pharmacy medicine 2.32% gel Age 14+
  • Used for: muscle and joint injuries, and the relief of pain of non-serious arthritic conditions
  • How often: 2 times a day, preferably morning and evening
  • Strength: 2.32g of diclofenac diethylammonium per 100g, twice the amount in the 1.16% gels
General sale 140 mg plaster Age 16+
  • Used for: short-term treatment of pain from acute strains, sprains or bruises on the arms and legs following a knock or blow
  • How often: one plaster on the painful area once a day, for up to 7 days
  • Contains: diclofenac sodium (Voltarol gels contain diclofenac diethylammonium)

Some Voltarol gels are also licensed under Emulgel names: Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel as Voltarol Pain-eze Emulgel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel as Voltarol Emulgel P, and Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel as Voltarol 12 Hour Emulgel P 2.32% Gel.

Using Voltarol gels and plasters

  • Intact skin only: apply Voltarol gel only to intact, non-diseased skin, not to wounds or open injuries, and keep it away from the eyes and mouth. Don't cover Voltarol 1.16% gels with bandages or sticking plaster after rubbing them in. Voltarol Max Strength 2.32% Gel can be used with a brace or wrap, but not under airtight (plastic) bandages. Voltarol plasters must not go on damaged skin.
  • Wash your hands afterwards: unless your hands are the area being treated.
  • Keep away from flames: don't smoke or go near naked flames after using Voltarol gel, because of the risk of severe burns. Fabric such as clothing, bedding or dressings that has been in contact with the gel burns more easily.
  • Don't combine with other NSAIDs without advice: Voltarol One a Day plasters must not be used at the same time as any other medicine containing diclofenac or another NSAID, whether it's applied to the skin or taken by mouth. With Voltarol gel, take care and ask your pharmacist first if you're using any other medicine containing diclofenac or an NSAID such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • Avoid strong sunlight: on the treated area, to reduce the chance of a skin reaction to light.
  • Know when to get advice: if your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, or get worse, speak to a doctor. Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel shouldn't be used for more than 14 days, and the Osteoarthritis and Max Strength gels for more than 21 days, unless a doctor recommends it. Voltarol One a Day plasters are for up to 7 days.

Our pharmacists can help you choose between the Voltarol products, or check whether one is suitable alongside your other medicines. For help choosing between a medicated gel and a heat or cooling product, see our guide to Voltarol and Deep Heat, or browse our wider pain relief range. Always read the label.

Voltarol FAQs

How does Voltarol work?

Voltarol contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain and reduces inflammation, mainly by blocking the production of prostaglandins. Voltarol gels and plasters are applied to the skin over the painful area, and only a small amount of diclofenac is absorbed into the rest of the body. Voltarol gels contain diclofenac diethylammonium and Voltarol One a Day plasters contain diclofenac sodium.

Does Voltarol contain ibuprofen?

No. Voltarol contains diclofenac, not ibuprofen. Both are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Don't use Voltarol One a Day plasters at the same time as ibuprofen or any other NSAID, whether it's applied to the skin or taken by mouth. With Voltarol gel, there's an increased possibility of side effects if you're also using another medicine containing diclofenac or an NSAID such as ibuprofen or aspirin, so ask your pharmacist first. Don't use Voltarol if you've ever had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another medicine used to treat pain, fever or inflammation.

What's the difference between Voltarol 1.16% and 2.32% gel?

Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel contains 2.32g of diclofenac diethylammonium in every 100g, twice the amount in the 1.16% gels, and is applied 2 times a day, preferably morning and evening. Voltarol 1.16% gels are applied 3 to 4 times a day. Voltarol Max Strength 2.32% Gel and Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel are also licensed for the pain of non-serious arthritic conditions; Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel is not.

How long does Voltarol gel take to work?

For arthritis pain, you may need to apply Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel for up to 7 days to allow its effect to build up on the joint before you notice an improvement. With any Voltarol gel, speak to a doctor if your symptoms haven't improved after 7 days or get worse.

Who should not use Voltarol?

Don't use Voltarol if you've ever had an allergic reaction to diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen or other medicines used to treat pain, fever or inflammation, or to any of the other ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction can include asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath, a skin rash or hives, swelling of the face or tongue, or a runny nose. Don't use Voltarol in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Voltarol gels aren't recommended for children under 14 years, and Voltarol One a Day plasters aren't for children or adolescents under 16. Don't use Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel or Voltarol Max Strength 2.32% Gel if you have severe joint pain that started recently and isn't related to an injury or overuse, or if you feel ill, have a temperature or any other symptoms along with the pain. Don't use Voltarol One a Day plasters if you have an active stomach or duodenal ulcer, on injured, infected or inflamed skin or eczema, or at the same time as another NSAID. If you have or have ever had asthma or a stomach or duodenal ulcer, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Voltarol. Talk to them before using Voltarol One a Day plasters too if you have allergies, kidney, heart or liver problems, bowel inflammation or a tendency to bleed.

Can you take paracetamol with Voltarol gel?

Voltarol gel works where you apply it, and only a small amount of diclofenac reaches the rest of the body, so interactions with other medicines are very unlikely and none are known for the gel. If you take paracetamol or any other medicine regularly, check with your pharmacist that Voltarol gel is suitable for you.

Can you use Voltarol when pregnant?

Don't use Voltarol in the last 3 months of pregnancy. In the first 6 months of pregnancy, or if you're planning a baby, use Voltarol only after talking to your doctor, and keep the amount used as low and the treatment as short as possible. If you're breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using Voltarol, and don't apply Voltarol gel to your breasts, to large areas of skin or for a long time.