When to see a doctor

Voltaren gel may provide temporary relief from your arthritis joint pain, but there are potential risks and side effects. Talk with your doctor before trying Voltaren gel.

“Persons with a history of osteoarthritis should always discuss use of planned over-the-counter therapies with their doctor before initiating use.

“Persons who have knee or hand pain that is unrelated to arthritis should have the pain assessed first before self-treating to ensure that something more significant is not occurring and that the pain is something that can appropriately be treated with an over-the-counter therapy without causing further injury,” says Cathi Dennehy, PharmD, health sciences clinical professor of pharmacy, UCSF School of Pharmacy.

For some people, NSAIDs like Voltaren gel should be avoided altogether.

“NSAIDs topical or oral should be avoided; however, in patients with a history of significant stomach upset (ulcers, stomach bleeding), history of coronary artery bypass surgery, recent heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, reduced kidney or liver function, or taking blood thinning medication,” says Dennehy.

If you plan to try Voltaren gel for pain relief, talk with your doctor first about the best options.